Senate
Bill to allow NSA recruit own staff fails to pass for second reading
A bill that was aimed to make it possible for the National Security Adviser (NSA) to recruit permanent staff for his office with the approval of the president failed to pass second reading at the Senate at plenary on Thursday.
Senator Buba, Umar Shehu (Bauchi South) sponsored the Bill that seeks to provide a legal framework for the NSA to appoint permanent staff for his office instead of using “casual workers”.
Shehu said the use of permanent staff in the office of the NSA will “enhance institutional memory and effective performance of the responsibilities of the National Security Adviser”.
Supporting the bill, Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) said the office of the NSA is very important and a situation where you allow use of casual staff is not good enough.
According to him, the bill is asking for the NSA to be allowed to appoint his own staff with the approval of the president.
Senator Joel Onowakpo (Delta South) said the NSA’s office should not rely on contract staff for information gathering and intelligence for the country.
Other senators who spoke in favour of the bill included Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) and Yohana Amos (Adamawa North). They were of the view that the word was changing and national security is becoming more complex requiring more dedicated workers in the security sector since everyone needs security.
However, the bill was given a mortal blow when the Senate President Godswill Akpabio asked if anyone was opposed to the bill to which Senator Seriake Dickson responded in the affirmative.
Dickson explained to his colleagues that “the current situation is that the NSA is the national security coordinator where officers from the various services are seconded”.
He said in the office you have all the apparatus of our national are represented, advising that they should not , in the process of trying to strengthen the office “create another problem”.
Therefore, he moved a motion that the bill be stepped down to create room for further consultations, adding that the NSA has the power to hire anyone for consultation.
The motion was seconded by Senator Enyinaya Abaribe who said the impression given that the workers are temporary staff is not so, adding that “they are personnel of the various services – Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, etc”.
When the Senate President put it to voice vote that those in support of the motion that the bill be stepped down were more.
In a historic move, the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed a bill for the first reading that is seeking to create Ijebu State from the existing Ogun State. The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (Creation of Ijebu State),” was sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District.
During the plenary session, Senate Majority Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, introduced the bill as the “fourth order of the day,” with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the proceedings. The bill successfully passed its first reading, setting the stage for further legislative deliberations.
The push for Ijebu State creation is part of a broader national discussion on state creation aimed at fostering local governance, improving political representation, and boosting regional development. Proponents believe that Ijebu State would bring about greater administrative efficiency and promote economic growth in the region.
The legislative journey for state creation involves multiple stages, including further readings, committee reviews, and constitutional amendments. Approval requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and endorsement by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
If successful, Ijebu State would become Nigeria’s 37th state, underscoring ongoing efforts to address regional demands for administrative autonomy and improved governance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded the National Social Investment Programme Agency Establishment Amendment Bill 2024 to the Senate for legislative approval. The proposed amendment aims to strengthen the framework for implementing the government’s social welfare programmes, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.
In a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, President Tinubu explained that the amendment seeks to designate the National Investment Register as the primary tool for targeting beneficiaries of social investment initiatives. This measure, he said, would ensure that welfare programmes are data-driven and deliver effective social protection to Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.
“The amendment will make our social and welfare programmes more transparent, efficient, and impactful in addressing the needs of vulnerable Nigerians,” the President stated.
He further noted that the request was made in accordance with Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urged the Senate to give the bill urgent consideration.
The proposed amendment, if passed, will improve the management and delivery of social investment programmes, enhancing their capacity to combat poverty and inequality across the country. The Senate has referred the bill to relevant committees for review and is expected to deliberate on the proposal in subsequent sessions.
This development indicates that the Tinubu’s administration is commited to leveraging technology and data to optimize the impact of its social welfare initiatives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a request to the Senate for the confirmation of nominees for the positions of Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Tinubu stated that the request complies with the provisions of Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
The nominees for confirmation included Mr. Tukur Abdurazak Yusuf – National Electoral Commissioner, representing the Northwest, Professor Sunday Ajah – National Electoral Commissioner, representing the Southeast and Saseyi Fayemi
Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State
The President expressed hope that the Senate would consider and confirm the nominees in its usual expeditious manner.
The letter concluded with Tinubu extending his assurances of highest consideration to the Senate President and distinguished senators.
The Senate President referred the matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters for further deliberation, with instructions to report back to the full assembly promptly.
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