Connect with us

Law & Crime

Why Senate is in self indictment over sitting time, changes plenary time from 10am to 11am ***As Lawan disagrees with Akpabio over alignment with Reps

Published

on

 

By George Mgbeleke, Abuja

Why the 10th Senate on Thursday acknowledged its greatest shortcoming of Commencing plenary behind schedule thereby trampling on its standing rule that stipulated 10am as the time to commence sitting.

The Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele had raised two motions at the commencement of plenary on one hand the proposed amendments to the standing rules in respect to amendment of order 8(2) which has to do with sitting of the Senate as it is proposed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays the Senate shifting it from 10am to 11am
The leader also moved his second motion on Standing Committees
Amendment of order 96 inclusion of 58 which is to create the Senate Committee on Reparation and repatriation.
However, the second motion was stepped down as senators opted to debate on the issue of sitting time.
While lending his voice to the issue Senator Akpabio had indicated that the most urgent motion is to align the time of resumption with what obtains in the House of Representatives.
He suggested that the motion should be separated and that the first one to be taken should be the time of sitting.
Immediate past President of the Senate Ahmed Lawan while making his contribution disagreed with Akpabio saying, “I don’t know the basis at the moment for which we want to shift our sitting from 10 to 11 and end at 3pm, for me, we have more energy, our eyes are clearer in the morning and one hour into the day, probably we would have lost some energy.
“If we work between 10am and 2pm, if we seat in the plenary between 10am and 2pm, our committees would do better. If we don’t have any reason except we have to synchronize with the house, I think we need to look at it again. But if we have other reasons that we must change that is fine. If it is just to synchronize with House of Representative rules. The House may have their reasons for sitting at 11 and close by 3 but here,I don’t see the reasons.
Responding Akpabio threw it back at Lawan that the idea of the Senate sitting by 11am started during his time as the President of the 9th Senate especially during the period of the covid.
Explaining further, Lawan said it was as a result of the dreadful COVID-19 the time was tinkered with from 10am to 11am adding that they had to cut down on the number of days for plenary.
Akpabio retorted saying, “Our rules said 10am but we came to meet the tradition of 11am, the only thing that we changed was to add additional day because during that COVID-19 period we were sitting twice a week.
“I said no, since there is no more COVID we should sit three times in a week and we maintained what we saw, 11am but now we are.saying that we have not been able to justify the 11am sitting unless it reflects same on our rules.
“The Idea of 3pm in my view is not correct because it does not mean you must sit till 3pm. It simply means if we don’t have much to do we can Close at 1pm or 2pm to enable our colleagues to go for committee sittings and other matters related to the proceedings of the Senate such as clearances and all that.
“The only aspect of it is to legalise it so that people don’t have the impression that you are sitting at 11am while the rule says 10am.
The Senate Leader again said,
“I want to make a very passionate appeal to our colleagues, for me I believe the issue should go beyond trying to reconcile with the house of representatives, the logic is that a lot of times, distinguished Senators have reasons to go to bed late and there is no point having in our rule book that our sitting time is 10 am, and everyday we sit at 11’o clock.
“Of course there are some distinguished Senators who would be here 10 for 10 but there have been a lot of time where even you Mr. President at 11 or 10:30 and we have to wait for some of our colleagues to come so that we could form a quorum , it is important that we work our talk.
“If our rule had said 10 am and we have not been able to seat 10am for 10am, I think what is most important is that if we say 11am, it should be 11’oclock.
“I think it makes sense that we amend our rules to read 11’o clock rather our rule book saying 10 am and we don’t seat until 11, for me this is the basic justification.
After going into into close session at the instance of Akpabio, so that members of the public will not misunderstand them they return to support the motion which stipulates that plenary session will now commence at 11am.

Before now, according to the Senate Standing Rule, plenary starts at 10 a.m. on every legislative day.
Rule 8 sub-section (2) of the Senate Standing Rule (as amended) states: “On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the Senate shall meet at 10:00 a.m. and unless previously adjourned shall sit until 2:00 p.m., unless before a substantive motion had been moved by the Leader of the Senate or a Senator acting in that capacity “that this Senate do now adjourn” and if such a motion be moved and if the question thereon has not previously been determined, at 2:00 p.m. the President of the Senate shall adjourn the Senate without question being put.”
However, because the Senate President who presides over the sitting always arrives late, the plenary had always begun much later. As a result of the tardiness, many Senate committees have had to postpone important meetings because the Senate plenary ended late in the evening.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Editorial

Senate vows to criminalise use of chemicals to ripen fruits *urges NAFDAC, Agric Ministry to investigate chemical ripening of fruits 

Published

on

By

Senate at plenary session

 

By George Mgbeleke

Alarmed at the damage caused by chemicalized fruits in the health of the citizenry,Senate on Wednesday at plenary condemned the harmful effect of using chemicals to ripen fruits that are sold in the nation’s markets and directed National Agency, Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection Agency to investigate such unwholesome practices and bring culprits to book.

It also urged NAFDAC, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and Consumer Protection Agency to increase the level of awareness by continuous sensitization and public enlightenment on the hazardous implications of chemical ripening of fruits.

Senate further mandated NAFDAC and Nigerian Custom Service to ensure that imported fruits especially apples are not preserved with harmful chemicals

The Red Chamber also urged NAFDAC and Consumer Protection Agency to commence regular visits to fruits markets to check the practice of chemical ripening of fruits.

Mandated the Agencies to investigate the practice with an intention to halt the continuous unwholesome practices of chemical ripening of fruits among fruit sellers in Nigeria

These resolutions of the Senate follow a motion by Senator Anthony Ani(Ebonyi south)tagged “Urgent need to investigate with an intention to halt the continuous unwholesome practices of chemical ripening of fruits among fruit sellers in Nigeria”

In his lead debate, Senator Ani
noted that ripening of fruits is a natural physiological process that makes fruits sweeter, more palatable, edible, nutritious, softer and attractive.

According to him,Fruits ripening is a highly regulated irreversible process that involves highly coordinated, complex biochemical and physiological changes.

He noted that artificial ripening of fruits involves the external application of chemicals and other agents to achieve faster and more uniform ripening of fruits.

The lawmaker observed that “among the widely used artificial ripening agents, are ethylene and methyl jasmonate which have been reported to be non-toxic for human consumption, but in many developing countries (Nigeria inclusive), low-cost and harmful chemicals such as calcium carbide, ethylene glycol, and ethephon are reported to be commonly used to artificially trigger the ripening processes of fruits.

“Informed that the cosmetic quality of artificially ripened fruits will increase but organoleptic qualities (taste, colour and smell), nutrition value and shelf life are depreciated when fruits are subjected to treatment without considering maturity status.”

He expressed great concern that nutrition experts and regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, etc, have warned against fruit ripening with calcium carbide, describing it as a harmful practice that endangers human lives.

He added that “Calcium carbide contains impurities such as arsenic, lead particles, phosphorus, etc., that cause several health hazards such as cancer, heart, kidney and liver failure, neurological disorders, intestinal problems, skin damage, mouth ulcers, etc.

“Sad that the practice of ripening of fruits with dangerous chemicals have been on the increase among fruit sellers in Nigeria.

“Further sad that many of these fruit sellers are ignorant of the health hazards posed by the consumption of artificially ripened fruits but driven by the incremental profit made as most customers prefer to patronize the artificially ripened fruits due to its enhanced cosmetic appearance not knowing that they are buying poison.”

In their contributions senators Sadiq Umar,Osita Izunaso,Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole and Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin lamented the dangerous effect of chemicalized fruits in most Nigerian markets.

According to the lawmakers NAFDAC should be blamed for allowing the unwholesome practices to continue to grow in the country.

Senator Jibrin directed NAFDAC to engage in random checks on fruits sellers in the nation’s markets with a view to fishing out culprits among them for prosecution.

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio who lamented the increasing death tolls recorded from those who suffered from cancer,liver and other diseases caused by chemicalized fruits.

He stressed the need for the sponsor of the motion to go beyond motion and amend it to bill to regularize NAFDAC to ensure stiff penalty for offenders of chemicalized fruits.

Continue Reading

Editorial

Pro-Wike group appaulds judiciary as member regains freedom

Published

on

By

Georger Turnah

By David Owei, Yenagoa.

The pro-Wike political group, the New Associates in Bayelsa, has applauded the Judiciary for not yielding to intimidation in the case involving its member, Ms Awudumu Reigneth.

Judicial logo

Reacting to Reigneth’s release after meeting her bail conditions, the convener and lead of New Associates, Georger Turnah, commended the Judiciary for demonstrating its strong independence in the face of intimidation.

Turnah, in a press statement signed by his media assistant, Kevin Loveday-Egbo, stated that Chief Magistrate Baitmizimo demonstrated exceptional courage.

‘’We would also like to commend Chief Magistrate Obiri Baitimizimo for her courage and boldness in ensuring justice, even in the face of obvious intimidation. The Bayelsa State Judiciary has once again demonstrated its independence and integrity by not yielding to the grand plan of Diri’s administration to keep Reigneth incarcerated as punishment for exercising her rights to free speech and expression. The courageous decision made by the magistrate to grant bail in the most liberal terms underscores the importance of a functional judiciary in safeguarding democracy, which is an exemplary high for the State Judiciary.’’

Turnah, while also commending Reigneth for ‘’unwavering courage and determination in the face of oppression’’ also applauded the professionalism and commitment of the legal team.

He however, expressed disappointment that” oppressive tactics and intimidation have become the hallmarks of the Diri-led prosperity administration’’ and implored the government to face serious issues of governance.

‘’As we celebrate Reigneth’s freedom, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, equality, and democracy for all Bayelsans. Together, we will overcome the challenges posed by this current administration and build a state that reflects the hopes and aspirations of its people.

 

” We call on Governor Diri to focus on serious issues of governance, particularly the insecurity that is ravaging our State, rather than dissipating energy on targeting perceived enemies and wasting public funds on political battles. It is time to put the best interests of Bayelsans first.’’

Continue Reading

Editorial

DSS pledges to partner with FIDA in Niger state to combat child abuse

Published

on

By

By Naseer Uthman-Baba, Minna
The Director Niger State Command of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) Alhaji Usman Bello Hussain has pledged his command preparedness to partner with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), in Niger State,in the Protection of  Gender Base Violence in the state.
He assured  the Service  readiness in ensuring the Protection of the right of girl-child and women against any forms of molestation in Niger state
According to the state director of the service, FIDA as a Professional body and non governmental organization that is saddled with the responsibility of the Protection of girl-child,women vulnerables and gender based related cases,” we are ready to partner with your association to realize your objectives”.
Receiving the executive members of FIDA in his office in Minna,Thursday,Alhaji Usman Bello noted that the Command under his leadership will continue to collaborate with any relevant association that will bring to his knowledge any issues that will undermine the security of the state and the generality of the citizens.
He underscores the increasing involvement of under-aged girls and women in all sorts of social vices that is inimical to the Society describing the trend as unacceptable.
He pointed out that he has been working with FIDA in his various places of assignment before his deployment to Niger state assuring that FIDA in Niger State will continue to enjoy his partnership towards ensuring crime free among women and girl-child  in Niger State.
” I have worked with your colleagues in my various commands. FIDA are always part of my various commands. They are always in my office when I was in Maiduguri and other commands that I served before my deployment to Niger State.
” FIDA in Niger State will not be an exception. My office is open to you at any time you can just work in so that the partnership will continue” he assured.
Speaking earlier,the chairperson the Ñiger State chapter of FIDA,Mrs Bolanle Jibogun told the the director that they were in his office as part of the ongoing advocacy visits to relevant agencies in the state Particularly the security agencies.
 The visit she disclosed is to inform the state command of the new law already passed into law by the National Assembly which is yet to replace the outdated penal code in the country.
Jibogun explained that the new law known as  violence against persons (VAP) if domesticated in Niger State will replace the penal code which according to her has not served it purpose of punitives to offenders.
She described the penal code as archaic which according to her has suffered to serve the real purpose of punishing any offenders that was charged under it ,in the court
Mrs Bolanle Jibogun told the director that the advocacy visit was to formally introduce the new law to the director to peruse and aquit his command with the law with a view to commencing the use of the VAP law in the prosecution of offenders..
” We are in your office  as part of our ongoing advocacy visit to formally introduce the new law to your command.
” The violence against Person law VAP if Fully domesticated in Niger State,it will replace the already archaic penal code. This new law carry more severe punishment than the penal code.
” The VAP carry all aspects of sections that will even carry more conviction and sentencing than than the penal.We are here in your office to Present a copy to your legal department” she told the director.
Continue Reading

Latest

Oil & Gas4 hours ago

NOGOF 2025: Governor Diri Urges National Assembly To Review Petroleum Industry Act …As Lokpobiri, Others Task Participants On Effective Partnerships

By David Owei, Bayelsa Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has again called on the National Assembly to review the...

Uncategorized7 hours ago

FCT budget:Wike seeks national support to address security 

By Our Reporter The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, has sounded the alarm about the...

Uncategorized7 hours ago

NPF Condemns Unprovoked Attack on IRT Operatives in Edo State.       ‎*As IGP Orders Investigation into Oyo Tragic Traffic Incident

By Our Reporter ‎ ‎The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the unprovoked attack on police operatives in the early hours...

Editorial8 hours ago

Senate vows to criminalise use of chemicals to ripen fruits *urges NAFDAC, Agric Ministry to investigate chemical ripening of fruits 

  By George Mgbeleke Alarmed at the damage caused by chemicalized fruits in the health of the citizenry,Senate on Wednesday...

General News1 day ago

Otuaro lauds Tinubu As PAP Presents Laptops To 663 Scholarship Beneficiaries

  By David Owei,Bayelsa The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has concluded the distribution of laptops to final year beneficiaries of...

Religion1 day ago

Hajj: NAHCON airlifts 79% of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has successful airlifted 32,549 pilgrims, representing 79.1% of the total intending...

General News1 day ago

JAMB allows Candidates who missed exam to retake …As JAMB Boss breaks silence on UTME glitches

By Our Reporter In a bid to pacify the anger of most Nigerians on the poor performance of  students 2ho...

Oil & Gas1 day ago

NNPCL, NAPIMS External Auditors tackle Senate Committee over appearance

By George Mgbeleke External Auditors to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPCL) and National Petroleum Investment Management Services...

Politics1 day ago

PDP not disintegrating-Senate Caucus  …..Says party not contemplating coalition for now

By George Mgbeleke Contrary to insinuations in some quarters that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in shreds and  verge...

Editorial1 day ago

FCT Councils Polls: APC pegs  Chairmanship slot forms at N20million, councillors to pay N2.5m each 

By Our Reporter Ahead of the February 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils election draw close,  the ruling All...

Trending