A core part of the law-making process is the debate on ‘general principles of a bill.’ Indeed, the House of Representatives and the Senate both adhere to conventional parliamentary procedures, just like most official gatherings.
There are however, rules guiding this process in parliament and this week’s episode of #MondayMeme is the concluding part of the series on the Rules of Debate in the Nigerian Senate; the red chamber of the National Assembly.
- No Senator reporting the measure under consideration from a Committee may open and close, where general debate has been had therein;
- and if it shall extend beyond one day, he shall be entitled to forty minutes to close, notwithstanding he may have used thirty minutes in opening.
- The conduct of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s President, Vice-President, Senators, and Judges, as well as the execution of judicial duties by other people, may not be brought up unless in response to a substantive motion.
- For the purpose of this paragraph, a substantive motion does not include a motion for an adjournment.
Did you learn anything new?
READ ALSO: #MondayMeme: Rules of Debate in the Senate (Part 1)
Monday Meme is a public service programme by OrderPaper Nigeria designed to break down the esoteric terminologies of the legislature and how the institution of parliament generally functions.
Ibifubara Abbiyesuku
Ibifubara Abbiyesuku is a young researcher, peacebuilder and programme associate with a cumulative 3 years’ experience. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in History and Diplomacy and a Master of Arts in Peace and Security, from the University of Port Harcourt and University of Ibadan respectively.
