Here are the highlights of activities that took place in the Senate today – domestic violence, rejection of part of Oronsaye’s report, confirmation of presidential nominee and establishment of university.
- Senate takes stringent measures to tackle domestic violence against women
As a result of the rising cases of violence, especially domestic violence against women, the Senate has taken stringent measures to tackle and put and end to such violent acts. This was sequel to second reading of a bill seeking to repeal the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, and enact an Act to eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence against persons and to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims, and punishment of offenders.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Isah Jibrin (APC, Kogi East) noted that the etant, which was enacted in 2015, sought protection for women from male domination violence but is deficient by substantial and drafting challenges which underscores the necessity for a holistic reform of the law to bring its provisions in line with the realities of societal change and drafting standards to effective dispensation of justice. This according to him, calls for a review to introduce elements of intention which prompted his bill to repeal and re-enact the legislation in order to avoid making the legislative proposal clumsy. The bill was thereafter referred to the committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters to report back in 6 weeks.
- Senate rejects Oronsaye’s report to halt violation of national film and video censors law
The Senate has called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to wind down the National Film and Video Censors Board forthwith. Presenting a motion on the floor of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Ogoshi (Nasarawa South) noted that the SGF has commenced the implementation of the report through the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He mentioned that a memo signed by the SGF, directed to the minister of arts, culture and the creative economy, mandated the immediate dissolution of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFCVB), which will now be integrated as a department within the ministry instead of operating as a separate federal agency.
He expressed concern that the directive violates the National Film and Video Censors Board Act Cap No.40 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as amended). According to him, this abuse of rule of law if goes unchecked, would become a bad precedence going forward. In his remark, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, questioned why senators are eager to fight against the winding up of the board while Oronsaye’s report is already being implemented. He said, “It will only cease to be in existence if a bill is brought to us in that regard. We are jumping the law.”
READ ALSO: The Battle: National Assembly vs the Oronsaye report
- Chartered out-of-home media practitioners bill scales second reading
The senate has passed bill to establish a regulatory body that will oversee and promote out-of-home media practitioners for second reading. In his lead debate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South) stressed that the bill seeks to establish the regulatory body to oversee digital display in the country and professionalise engagement in the field. He added that the bill will also enhance and bring responsibility among practitioners. With no opposition, the bill was thereafter referred to the committees on establishment and public service matters, information and media and publicity to report back in six weeks.
- Senate confirms NASRDA nominee
The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Dr Matthew Olumide Adepoju as Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). Presenting the report of the committee on science and technology, Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central) said the nominee was thoroughly interrogated. Accordung to him, the nominee is satisfied and based on his performance and experience is public service, the committee came to a conclusion that the nominee is capable to hold the office. The Senate thereafter resolved into the committee of the whole to consider the report and subsequently confirmed the nominee’s appointment.
- Senate sets to establish University in Zamfara
The Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology Tsafe in Zamfara State. This followed the consideration of a report of the committee on health (secondary and tertiary). Chairman of the committee, Senator Ipalibo Harry-Banigo (PDP, Rivers West) lamented that Nigeria’s medical practitioners is far below global standards. She noted that after the looking into the details of the bill and carrying out a public hearing, the committee recommends the establishment bill sponsored by Senator Aliyu Ikra Bilblis (PDP, Zamfara Central) was a necessity for the state and the country at large. The Senate immediately resolved into the committee of the whole to consider the report and thereafter passed the bill.
BILLS CHART FOR THE DAY
Below is OrderPaper’s signature presentation of bills taken in Senate plenary today. Readers are invited to contact us for further information via info@orderpaper.ng or WhatsApp via +234 704 700 3031.
