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  • Senate Debates Establishment Of Armed Forces Service Commission

    Senate Debates Establishment Of Armed Forces Service Commission

    The Senate was on Wednesday divided when the Federal lawmakers commenced debate on the establishment of an Armed Forces Service Commission.

    The lawmakers were sharply divided over the bill which proposes to establish an Armed Forces Service Commission.

    Those against the bill argued that it will cause more disunity in the country.

    The sponsor of the bill Senator Enyinaya Abaribe however noted that the constitution mandates the National Assembly to set up the commission.

    The bill was later rejected during a voice vote and Senator Abaribe called for a division – that is lawmakers should vote individually.

    The Senate later went into a closed-door session.

    After the closed-door session, Senate President Ahmed Lawan said the entire Senate has appealed to the Minority Leader, Senator Abaribe to withdraw Order 73 which called for a division.

    Senator Abaribe then withdraws the bill to represent it another day after consultation.

    Below are the highlights of the bill:

    The Bill seeks to establish the Armed Forces Services Commission to ensure that the composition/appointment of Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Federation reflects the Federal Character of Nigeria in the manner prescribed in section 217 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The National Assembly shall,

    (a) In giving effect to the functions specified in section 217 of the 1999 and

    (b) with respect to the powers exercisable by the President under section 218 of the Constitution; establish a body that shall comprise such members as the National Assembly may determine and which shall have the power to ensure that the composition of the Armed Forces of the Federation reflects Federal Character of Nigeria in the manner prescribed by section 217 of the Constitution.

    The function and powers of the Commission shall be to:

    Have the power and authority pursuant to section 219 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to ensure that the composition/appointment of Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Federation reflects Federal Character of Nigeria in the manner prescribed in section 217 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.

    Ensure that the functions specified in section 217 of the 1999 Constitution; and the powers exercise by the President in the appointment of Service Chiefs and officers Corps and other Ranks of the Armed Forces of the Federation in section 218 of the 1999 Constitution reflects the said section.

    Recommend to the President from among the best and most qualified, most educated, and most experienced members of the Armed Forces of the Federation for appointment as:

    (i) Chief of Defence Staff

    (ii) Chief of Army Staff

    (iii) Chief of Air Staff

    (iv) Chief of Naval Staff

    (v) Director of Military Intelligence, and Heads of other Arms-bearing Security Agencies and ensure that such appointments reflect the Federal Character of Nigeria.

    Recommend to the President the removal from office as Service Chiefs and Head of other Arm-bearing Security Agencies on grounds of misconduct, abuse of office, breach of any section of the Constitution, the Armed Forces Act, or any other Act of the National Assembly.

    Approve promotion from among the best, most competent, and qualified others as Heads of Military formations/branches such as General Officers Commanding Divisions of the Nigerian Army and their equivalent in the Navy and Air Force.

    Provided that in making such recommendations the Commission shall observe the Federal Character principle and adopt an equitable template to spread the Offices of the Service Chiefs, and Others Corps and other Ranks of the Armed Forces of the Federation among the six 980-p0litical zones of the country.

  • Senate urges FG to return IDPs in Benin Republic

    Senate urges FG to return IDPs in Benin Republic

    The Senate on Wednesday enjoined the Federal Government to ensure the urgent return of the people of Yewa in Ogun State who relocated to the Republic of Benin following incessant herdsmen attacks on their communities.

    It urged the Federal Government to direct officials of the National Emergency Management Agency and Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, to bring them back.

    The resolution of the upper chamber followed a point of order moved by the Senator representing Ogun West, Tolu Adebayo.The Senate also urged security agencies to restore law and order in the affected communities.

    Details shortly…

  • Senate Seeks Completion Of Abadigba-Egume Power Project In Kogi

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District of Kogi state, Senator Isah Jibrin on Wednesday sponsored a motion titled: “Need for immediate completion of the Abadigba-Egume Power Project, in Dekina Local Government of Kogi State.”

    In an Online Kogi reports monitored by our correspondent in Lokoja, has it that Senator Isah Jibrin, aka, Echocho in his lead debate urged the Senate to note that sometime in 2007, the Federal Government embarked on a power plant project at Abadigba-Egume in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State to light up Kogi East Senatorial District, against the backdrop of the persistent poor power supply in the area.

    Senator Jibrin noted that the project advanced with the installation of various equipment, including three giant power plants and two transformers, in readiness for connection with Geregu Power Station at Ajaokuta.

    “Concerned that the project has become one of the abandoned projects in the country as no effort has been made to complete it in line with the laudable intentions of the government, thirteen years after initiating it.” he added.

    “Worried that this continued abandonment of the project has led to the destruction of some of the connecting wires and cables due to bush burning, in addition to vandalization by criminals, thereby occasioning avoidable losses to the government.”

    “According to information from engineers, the project is at 70% completion stage, and only requires minimal additional resources to make it functional”

    He was optimistic that the completion of the Abadigba-Egume Power Project will boost production activities and facilitate economic development, as most companies and business outfits currently rely on generators for a n place of electricity.

    Senators in their contributions supported the motion.

    The Senate, therefore mandated its Committee on Power to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Power to take immediate and necessary steps towards the completion of the Abadigba-Egume Power Project, in Dekina Local Government of Kogi State.

  • Senate Confirms Appointment Of Service Chiefs

    Senate Confirms Appointment Of Service Chiefs

    The Senate has confirmed the appointment of the newly appointed Service Chiefs.

    They are Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Air Staff; Air Vice-Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Chief of Army Staff General Ibrahim Attahiru.

    After the confirmation on Tuesday, Senate President Ahmad Lawan advised the new service chiefs to take insurgency war to the terrorists and bandits and dislodge them from their enclaves.

    He reminded them to be conscious of the fact that Nigerians expect a lot from them to address the security problems confronting the country.

  • Senate okays N11.35bn for Police Trust Fund

    Senate okays N11.35bn for Police Trust Fund

    The Senate on Wednesday approved the sum of N11, 352,457,101.70 as budget for Nigeria Police Trust Fund in the 2020 fiscal year.

    The amount comprises only the capital component of the Police Trust Fund 2020 budget.

    The approval followed its consideration of the harmonized report of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs on the 2020.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Halliru Jika, in his presentation noted that the Joint Committee observed that “this is the first budget of the NPTF, since the establishment Act came into being in the year 2019.”

    According to him, “only the 0.5 percent of the total revenue accrued to the federation account and 0.5 percent of the total VAT were remitted to the NPTF Account, adding that, “other sources of revenue as prescribed in the NPTF Establishment Act have not made any remittance.”

    He, therefore, called on the NPTF to expedite action on the implementation of the 2020 budget in other to meet up with the deadline of 30th April 2021.

    Giving a breakdown of the budget component, the lawmaker said projected income was put at N34, 984,314,243; and N11, 354,457,101.70 for capital.

    He, however, explained that the balance of N23, 631,857,141.30 will be carried over to the 2021 budget of the NPTF.

    In addition, he noted that the purchase of utility vehicles in the budget was replaced with procurement of the Covid-19 protection kits for Police personnel amounting to N358, 379,191.00; and the sum of N533, 894,117.70 earmarked for the procurement of drugs and medical equipment.

    The Senate President in his remarks said the approval of the NPTF budget would “help the police to increase their capacities and of course, provide better and improved services across the country.”

    “This is one of the benefits of what we have passed here – the Police Trust Fund – and I’m sure that the National Assembly will continue to support our security agencies for optimal performance,” Lawan added.

    The Senate also approved a recommendation that the implementation of the NPTF 2020 budget would lapse on the 30th of April, 2021.

  • BREAKING: Bawa arrives Senate for screening as EFCC chairman

    BREAKING: Bawa arrives Senate for screening as EFCC chairman

    The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has arrived at the Senate for screening,

    The 40-year-old, if confirmed, will be the youngest person ever to serve as chairman of the nation’s foremost anti-corruption agency.

    Bawa will also be the first core EFCC official and non-police officer to head the agency, a feat which has been hailed by a large majority of the EFCC staff.

    The nominee’s appointment has, however, been met with criticism following allegations of corruption levelled against him by the previous EFCC leadership.

    He is also believed to be the candidate of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

    Details later

  • President Buhari seeks Senate approval for 2021 Police Trust Fund budget

    President Buhari seeks Senate approval for 2021 Police Trust Fund budget

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday sought the consideration and approval of the Senate for the 2021 Police Trust Fund budget.

    Buhari’s request is contained in a letter addressed to President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan and read at the plenary session.

    President Buhari said in the letter that his request was in Pursuant to Section 4 (5) and Section 21 of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund Establishment Act 2019.

    “I hereby forward the 2021 budget proposal of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) for the kind consideration and passage by the Senate.

    “The estimate of revenue and expenditure in the 2021 proposal are consistent with statutory functions of the NPTF in terms of providing funding through a special intervention fund for training and re-training of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)

    “This is to enhance their skills for moral improvement, performance and efficiency in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities,’’ the president wrote.

    According to Buhari, the budget is to ensure procurement of state-of-the-art security equipment, operational vehicles and other related facilities.

    This, he wrote, would ensure enhanced skills of personnel of the NPF in handling operational equipment.

    He also said in the letter that the budget would help in the construction of police stations, barracks, and other facilities for personnel and their dependents and procurement of essential training materials.

    The president said that the budget would also aid payment for the participation of personnel in seminars, conferences and other skills acquisitions courses.

    “While appreciating the usual expeditious consideration of this submission, please accept, distinguish Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,’’ Buhari wrote

  • Senate receives 2021 budget for Police Trust Fund

    Senate receives 2021 budget for Police Trust Fund

    The Senate on Wednesday received the 2021 budget proposal for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund from President Muhammadu Buhari, for consideration and approval.

    Buhari’s letter of request was read by Senate President Ahmad Lawan on the floor at plenary.

    According to the letter, the request was made in line with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act which provides for funding of the agency through a special intervention fund.

    The letter reads: “Pursuant to Sections 4, 5 and 21 of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Establishment Act 2019, I forward herewith the 2021 budget proposal of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for the kind consideration and passage by the Senate.

    “The estimates of revenue and expenditure in the funds 2021 budget proposal, are consistent with the statutory purpose of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund terms of providing funding through a special intervention fund for: training and retraining of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force to enhance their skill and overall improvement, performance and efficiency in the discharge of their duties as well as responsibilities.

    “Procurement of state of the art equipment, operational vehicles and other related facilities to enhance the skills of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in handling operational equipment.

    “Construction of Police Stations, barracks and other living facilities of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and their dependents; and Procurement of instructional materials and training equipment, as well as paying for the cost of participation of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at seminars, conferences, and other skill acquisition courses.”

  • Senate To Regulate Bleaching Cream And Cosmetics

    Senate To Regulate Bleaching Cream And Cosmetics

    The Senate on Tuesday mandated it Committee on Health to investigate the procedures for certification on quality and safety of Cosmetics and propose a way forward for accountability.

    The upper chamber also directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to rise up to its duty of regulating importation, formulation and sale of cosmetics within Nigeria.

    It further directed NAFDAC to maintain a products database, showing name and address of manufacturers and ingredients list.

    The upper chamber mandated NAFDAC to embark on sensitization and awareness campaign on the ills of harmful substances in the country.

    It also directed NAFDAC and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) to collaborate towards ensuring the tracking of Consumer injury.

    These resolutions of the Senate followed the adoption, by the Senate, of the prayers in a motion titled: “Need for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to move swiftly to regulate formulation and distribution of cosmetics.”

    The motion was sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central).

    Senator Tinubu in her lead debate urged his colleagues to note the proliferation of small and medium enterprises and businesses “whose stock in trade is the formulation of beauty products ranging from lotions to Oils, scrubs and soaps, with many labelled handmade, natural and/or organic.”

    She observed that that the use of natural plants for beauty and medicinal purposes is as old as humanity.

    She added: “Aware that organic products in modern formulations have gained renewed popularity as a result of concerns about synthetic ingredients and chemicals, and Nigeria is no exception.

    “Worried that these products often contain the words glowing, lightening, whitening, half-cast, etc, while indicating no list of ingredients to enlighten users as to its content.

    “Also worried that contrary to best practices, these products often do not provide a best before date.

    “Concerned that the market for cosmetics is huge, with women appearing to be the primary target.

    “Further concerned that it is not unusual to see some of these products exclusively marketed for use by babies and children.

    “Worried that it is impossible to determine that hygiene, quality assurance and good manufacturing practices are adhered to in the formulation of these products.

    “Aware that a substantial part of the problem is the absence of standards that these products must meet before they are made available to the public.

    “Reminded that in advanced countries, persons licensed to deal with skin issues and concerns, Dermatologists and Aestheticians, receive training and certification.

    “Also reminded that in advanced countries, products must pass a toxicology test and be substantiated for safety before they go on sale.

    “Reminded that the skin is the largest organ of the human body with over twenty physiological functions, capable of absorbing products applied.

    “Further reminded that the various studies have shown that depending on ingredients, a substantial amount of products applied topically to skin are absorbed into the bloodstream.

    “Notes that side effects of these harmful substances may include skin damage, kidney failure, liver failure, breathing problems, poor wound healing, scars and skin cancer amongst others.

    Received with shock, video circulating in December 2019 of a woman who was supposedly having the top layer of her skin peeled off in what appeared to be a Skin Lightening procedure at the business place of a cosmetics formulator/vendor.

    “Posits that unless the market is regulated and world standards for toxicity and safety adhered to, we will be putting a lot of the citizens at risk while certain elements profit.

    “Reminded that the regulation of any sector, for the protection of its people is a duty of Government.”

    Senators in their contributions supported the motion.

  • Bawa to face Senate screening for EFCC Chairmanship

    Bawa to face Senate screening for EFCC Chairmanship

    Nigeria Senate on Tuesday adopted a resolution that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chairmanship nominee, Abdulrasheed Bawa will be screened at plenary.

    Senate took the resolution after the executive’s communication on the nomination of Bawa was announced by the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan.

    The development is a departure from the past, where nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari would first pass through Senate Committee scrutiny before a revert report is turned in for consideration by Committee of the whole.

    The Senate President said, screening will hold at the plenary in line with the tradition of the Senate.

    He said: “The screening of the Chairman of EFCC will be done in the plenary in keeping with our tradition.”

    President Buhari had nominated Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive Chairman of the EFCC and asked the leadership of the National Assembly to confirm the appointment.

    In a letter to the Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, the President said he was acting in accordance with Paragraph 2(3) of Part1, CAP E1 of EFCC Act 2004.

    Bawa, 40, is a trained EFCC investigator with vast experience in investigation and prosecution of Advance Fee Fraud cases, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes.

    He has undergone several specialized trainings in different parts of the world, and was one of the pioneer EFCC Cadet Officers in 2005.

    Bawa holds a B.Sc degree in Economics, and Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy.

    The last screening of the anti-graft boss was in the 8th Senate during the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki which turned down the appointment of Ibrahim Magu as a result of the controversial security report about him.