Senate makes history, passes 46 bills in 10 minutes

… okays Buhari’s request to appoint 15 advisers

The Senate yesterday made history by passing 46 bills into law within 10 minutes.

The bills were earlier passed by the House of Representatives in the outgoing Seventh Assembly.

The bills were introduced by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang.

The development generated arguments and side talk but the Senate President, David Mark, had his way when he called for a voice vote, and ruled in favour of those in support of the passage.

Mark asked those who were not satisfied with the passage of the bills to raise objections in writing  at plenary on Thursday.

The Senate had earlier suspended Order 79 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders, creating the impression that all the Bills had passed first, second and third readings on the floor of the Senate and concur to same.

Meanwhile, Mark has said the Senate will continue further deliberations on the controversial Fourth Alteration Bill, which seeks to further amend the 1999 Constitution, on Thursday.

He also added that the  valedictory session to formally close the Seventh Senate would  also be held on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Senate also yesterday, through a unanimous voice vote, approved the request of President Muhammadu Buhari, for the appointment of 15 Special Advisers, who will assist him to carry out his functions as President.

The Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, requested that the Senate should debate the request at a Committee of the Whole but Senate President, David Mark, said the debate was not necessary.

Mark therefore called for a voice vote to either approve or reject the request and the members overwhelmingly supported the approval with a resounding ‘ayes’.

Buhari had, through  a letter, addressed to Mark on Tuesday, said his request was in accordance with the Section 151 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (as amended ).

The president did not attach the list of the 15 Special Advisers but craved the indulgence of the federal parliamentarians, to urgently consider his request.

Buhari’s  first letter to the Senate, read by Mark, noted that his action, was pursuant to the provision  of  the constitution, which confers on him the power to appoint special advisers to assist him in the performance of his functions.

Buhari said, “I write to request for your kind consideration and approval of the distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Republic to appoint 15 special advisers as prescribed in Section 151(2-3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“While trusting that this exercise will receive the traditional prompt attention of the Senate, please accept, Mr. President, the assurance of my highest consideration.”