#TodayInPlenary
*PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF THURSDAY 23RD MARCH 2017*

Welcome to a new Legislative day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Senate President Bukola Saraki took the official prayer and led the chamber into today's proceedings.
Senator Andy Uba moved for the approval of votes and proceedings for Wednesday 22nd March,2017.  Senator Philip Gyunka seconded.

*EXECUTIVE SESSION*
Senate now moves into an Executive Session.
Senate resumes from its Executive Session and Senate President Bukola Saraki reports progress thatbthe Senate at the Executive Session deliberated on issues bothering on the workings of the Senate and the National Assembly in general.

*EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION*
Senate President Bukola Saraki read a letter dated 27th February 2017 on the request of Acting President for the Confirmation of Nominees for Appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

*POINT OF ORDER*
1. Senator Shehu Sani cited order 43  and read a letter submitted by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal on the court process and his inability to honour its invitation. He said the Committee was to hold a public hearing today and decided to invite the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to give him an opportunity to defend himself.
Senate President Bukola Saraki put the Secretary Government of the Federation issue to rest and stated that a new date has been communicated to the Committee for his appearance.

2. Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan raised a point of order on the Terriorist Attack near the UK Parliament yesterday. Senator George Sekibo said any Terriosm Activity in any part of the World requires urgent attention. Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah said in recognition of Westminster in promoting democracy, we should share in their grief and convey our sympathy.
Senate President Bukola Saraki said there shall be no debate on this, said it can come under a motion and as part of respect observed a Minute silence in honour of the victims. He adds that "any attack on any Parliament in the world is an attack on all Parliaments. Our hearts and prayers are with them"
Senate in its prayers resolved to:
1. Condemn in totality the attack in the United Kingdom yesterday.
2. Stand together and sympathise with Westminster.
3. Call on all Houses of Parliament around the globe to stand together against all forms of Terrorism.
4. Call on the United Nations to develop a more Effective Counter-Terrorism Act.
5. National Asswmbly should send a condolence letter to the UK Government and Parliament.

Senate now observed a minute silence in honour of the departed souls.

*PETITIONS*
1. Senator Godswill Akpabio raised a Petition about the stoppage of the payment of the salary of one of his constituent in the Federal Civil Service Commission.
2. Senator Barnabas Gemade also raised a petition on the incessant killings in his senatorial district and requests for a permanent military base.
3. Senators Tayo Alasoadura and Matthew Urhoghide also raised different personal petitions from their respective districts.

The Petitions laid were referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions

*CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS*
1. Report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the Screening of 47 Non-Career Ambassadorial Nominees. By Senator Monsurat Sunmonu.
The Senate do consider the Report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the Screening of the following persons as Non-Career Ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

1.Dr. Mrs. Uzoma E. Emenike -Abia
2.Aminu Iyawa -Adamawa
3.Maj. Gen. Godwin G. Umo Rtd -Akwa Ibom
4.Christopher J.N. Okeke -Anambra
5.Yusuf Maitama Tuggar -Bauchi
6.Baba Madugu -Bauchi
7.Brig. Gen. Stanley Diriyai -Bayelsa
8.Prof. Stephen Ugba -Benue
9.Baba Ahmad Jidda -Borno
10.Dr. Etubom N.E. Asuquo -Cross River
11.Engr. Frank Ofeduma -Delta
12.Mr. Jonah M. Odo -Ebonyi
13.Uyagwe Igbe -Edo
14.Dr. Eniola Ajayi -Ekiti
15.Maj. Gen. Chris Eze -Enugu
16.Alh. Sulieman Hassan -Gombe
17.Justice Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor -Imo
18.Amin Muhanmmad Dalhatu -Jigawa
19.Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli -Kaduna
20.Deborah S. Iliya -Kaduna
21.Prof. D. Abdul Kadir -Kano
22.Alh. Haruna Ungogo -Kano
23.Justice Isa Dodo -Katsina
24.Mohammad Rimi Barade -Katsina
25.Prof. Tijani Bande -Kebbi
26.Prof. Y. O. Aliu -Kogi
27.Nurudeen Mohamed -Kwara
28.Prof. Mohamed G. Yisa -Kwara
29.Justice George Adesola Oguntade -Lagos
30.Mrs. Modupe Irele -Lagos
31.Musa Ilu Mohammed -Nasarawa
32.Ahmed Ibeto -Niger
33.Susanne Aderonke Folarin -Ogun
34.Jacob Igebekele Daodu -Ondo
35.Afolahan Adeyemi A. -Osun
36.Maj. Gen. Ashimiyu A. Olaniyi Rtd. -Oyo
37.James G. Dimka -Plateau
38.Dr. Haruna Bawa Abdullahi -Plateau
39.Orji Ngofa -Rivers
40.Sahabi Isa Gada -Sokoto
41.Hon. Kabir Umar -Sokoto
42.Alh. Hassan Jika Ardo -Taraba
43.Goni Modu Zanna Bura -Yobe
44.Alh. Garba Gajam -Zamfara
45.Cpt. Bala Mohammad Mairiga -Zamfara
46.Habiss Ibrahim Ugbada -FCT
47.Mr. Adeyinka Olatokunbo Asekun -Ogun.
Senator Monsurat Sunmonu noted that when the Imo state Nominee was asked if he could perform his duty at that age, his response was "Ask Mugabe if age affects his job". She also noted the DSS report on the Ondo State nominee were negative. He is said to be deceitful and indulged in corrupt practice.
*COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE*
Senate dissolved to the Committee of the Whole to Consider the Screening of 47 Non-Career Ambassadorial Nominees.
The nominees from Imo (Sylvanus Nsofor) and Ondo State (Jacob Daodu) were rejected by the Senate based on the Foreign Affairs' Committee report.
The Senate Reverted to Plenary and Reported Progress on the Confirmation of 45 out of 47 Non-Career Ambbassadorial Nominees.

Senate President Bukola Saraki thanked the Foreign affairs Committee for the screening and congratulates the newly confirmed Ambassadors. He also stated that "The non-career diplomat must be good example to our country and I hope the Executive ensure outstanding payments are treated".

2. Report of the Committee on INEC on the INEC Act No.6 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2017. (SB.231 and SB.234). By Senator Abubakar Kyari.
*COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE*
Senate dissolved to the Committee of the Whole to Consider the Report of the Committee on INEC on the INEC Act (Amendment) Bill 2017.
Senators took turn to contribute to the different clauses for amendment in the INEC Act (Amendment) Bill 2017.
The Senate Reverted to Plenary and Senate President Bukola Saraki Reported Progress from the Committee of the Whole where Senate Considered the Report of the Committee on INEC on the INEC Act (Amendment) Bill 2017. Senate President Bukola Saraki thanked his Colleagues for their Co-operation.

*ADJOURNMENT*
Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan moved for other items on the order paper be stood down to another Legislative day, Minority Leader seconded.
Plenary is now adjourned to Tuesday 28th March, 2017.
#GavelBangs

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO WATCH THE PROCEEDINGS FOR TODAY:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHhnwjzJ-tQ