News Post

In order to boost trade, commerce and the nation’s economy as well as ensure efficient and effective movement of persons, goods and services, the Senate on Thursday, March 15, 2018 has passed into law a very strategic and critical legislation titled “National Transport Commission Bill, 2018”, sponsored by Sen. Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), Ahmed Rufa’i Sani (Zamfara West) and Sen. Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central).

The passage of the Bill into law followed the presentation of the legislation’s report by the Senate Joint Committee Land, Marine Transport and Aviation before the Chamber by Sen. Gbenga Ashafa for consideration. On receipt of the report, the Chamber resolved into the Committee of the Whole where clauses 1- 101, short and long titles, Schedules 1 & 2 as well as explanatory memorandum of understanding of the Bill were approved as recommended or amended. Thereafter, the Bill was read the third time and passed.

Meanwhile, Sen. Atai Aidoku (Kogi East) came under point of order 42 and 52 to draw the attention of the Senate over an alleged attack on his constituents by suspected herdsmen. The attack that affected the people of Ogane, Onigwu in Dekina Iga and Omala Iga local government areas of Kogi State resulted in the loss of many lives and properties. The Motion having enjoyed the support of Sen. Ahmad Lawan, Sen. Dino Melaye, Sen. Emmanuel Paulker, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Sen. Kabiru Marafa, Sen. James Manager and Sen. Abu Ibrahim scaled through with four resolutions below:

i) Senate condemn the attack in strong terms and sympathize with victims and observe a minute silence for the dead.

ii) Urge the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation to direct the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Police to determine and deal decisively with insecurity and terrorist attack; urging the security agencies to be more proactive in nipping in the bud all security challenges.

iii) Urge the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and all Security Agencies in Kogi State to arrest the perpetrators of this gruesome killings and ensure they are prosecuted in Court without delay.

iv) Urge the Federal Government through the relevant Agencies to administer immediately relief materials and assistance to victims.

Similarly, Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio rose under point of order 42 and 52 to report to the Chamber a recent Court ruling against the Senate over the recently passed Electoral Amendment Bill, 2018; in which the Court urged all parties involved (Legislature, Executive, INEC and Political Parties) to maintain status quo until it ruled on the case brought before it the by the Accord Party. Accordingly, the Motion sailed through with a single prayer below:

i) Write a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) reminding him of the Principles of Separation of Powers and he should caution his Officers to desist from hindering the legislature from performing its duties.