Senate

Kawu tackles presidency over unlawful removal of Mansur Kuliya midway

Published

11 months ago

January 31, 2024

Apparently piqued the premature removal of the substantive Executive Director of the Midstream, Downstream, Gas Infrastructure Fund, Mansur Kuliya, Senator representing Kano South, Suleiman Kawu, has questioned the Presidency over the illegality

He opposed the nomination of Oluwole Adama to replace him as the Executive Director, Midterm and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) under Nigerian Midterm and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
According to Senator Kawu, the sacking of Kuliya as Executive Director of the agency is unlawful, as he was yet to complete his five-year term, which began in 2022.
As soon as the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu’s letter requesting the upper chamber to confirm Engr. Oluwole Adama as the ED, MDGIF Tuesday, Senator Suleiman Kawu of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP, Kano South) raised a constitutional point of order, on the power of the National Assembly to make laws for Nigeria.

Kawu said based on Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) the letter sent to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu on the appointment of ED, MDGIF, he informed the Senate that someone from his Kano South senatorial district was appointed in March 2022 for a term of 5 years in accordance with the provision of section 2 & 5, 36 (1) of the PIA.

Reading section 4 of the 1999 constitution (as amended), Kawu said “The legislative powers of the Federal Government of Nigeria shall be vested in the National Assembly of the federal, which shall consist of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“Secondly, the National Assembly has powers to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the federation or any part thereof with respect to any matter included in the exclusive legislative list set out in part one of the second schedule set out in this constitution.

He said based on these powers vested in the National Assembly, he reminded his colleagues to that the 9th National Assembly passed the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and based on that Act, he said the letter sent to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu on the appointment of Oluwole Adama as ED, MDGIF to replace Mansur Alkali Kuliya, who he is from his constituency, Kano South senatorial district.

He said Mansur Kuliya was appointed in March 2022 for a term of 5 years in accordance with the provision of section 2 & 5, 36 (1) of the PIA, adding that it was the Senate which confirmed his appointment and his term of office has not elapsed.

Senator Kawu said “there are provisions in the Act that if for any reason he will be removed or replaced, there must be a process which the executive, although he has the power to appoint, but there must be a procedure in line with our laws and the constitution.

“Therefore, I’m drawing the attention of the Senate that the appointment of the gentleman who is serving his term with any letter of disengagement and there was no correspondence from anybody. He just heard that he has been removed.

“Therefore, we are the ones who made the law, it 8s the responsibility of the National Assembly to respect its own laws”.

The Senate President therefore referred Tinubu’’s request for confirmation of Engr. Adama was referred to the Committees on Downstream Petrolatum and Gas.

Meanwhile, the Senate has adjourned to Tuesday February 6, 2024

Appointment

Creation of Ijebu State inches closer as bill scales first reading at senate

Published

4 weeks ago

November 27, 2024

Super Administrator

Gbenga Daniel

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.

Senate

Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for Social Investment Programme Amendment Bill

Published

1 month ago

November 20, 2024

Super Administrator

Bola Tinubu

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.

Senate

Tinubu Requests Senate’s Confirmation for INEC Commissioners

Published

1 month ago

November 20, 2024

Super Administrator

Bola Tinubu

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.