Nigerian Senate Continues Ministerial Screening Exercise
The Senate will today, October 14, commence another round of ministerial screening after 10 nominees went through the procedure yesterday.
On Tuesday, October 13, the Senate screened 10 nominees: Udoma Udo Udoma (Cross River state), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti state), Audu Ogbeh (Bayelsa state), Ogbonnaya Onu (Ebonyi state), Osagie Ehanire (Edo state), Abdulrahman Dambazau (Kano state), Lai Mohammed (Kwara state), Amina J Mohammed (Gombe state), Suleiman Adamu (Jigawa state) and Ibrahim Jibril (Nasarawa state).
But, with 21 nominees from ‘batch A’ and 16 nominees from ‘batch B’, the screening exercise is billed to take three days.
On Tuesday, October 13, the Senate screened 10 nominees: Udoma Udo Udoma (Cross River state), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti state), Audu Ogbeh (Bayelsa state), Ogbonnaya Onu (Ebonyi state), Osagie Ehanire (Edo state), Abdulrahman Dambazau (Kano state), Lai Mohammed (Kwara state), Amina J Mohammed (Gombe state), Suleiman Adamu (Jigawa state) and Ibrahim Jibril (Nasarawa state).
But, with 21 nominees from ‘batch A’ and 16 nominees from ‘batch B’, the screening exercise is billed to take three days.
Day two of the proceedings will witness the remaining 11 ministerial nominees from the first batch, address questions and issues raised at the floor of the Senate.
Prominent names expected to be screened today include: Rotimi Amaechi, Aisha Alhassan, Chris Ngige, Hadi Sirika, Babatunde Fashola, Kemi Adeosun, Abubakar Malami, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Solomon Dalong, Ibe Kachikwu.
However, President Muhammadu Buhari has withdrawn the name of immediate past Deputy Governor of Niger State, Ahmed Musa Ibeto from the list of nominees to be screened today, Naij.com can authoritatively report.
Prominent names expected to be screened today include: Rotimi Amaechi, Aisha Alhassan, Chris Ngige, Hadi Sirika, Babatunde Fashola, Kemi Adeosun, Abubakar Malami, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Solomon Dalong, Ibe Kachikwu.
However, President Muhammadu Buhari has withdrawn the name of immediate past Deputy Governor of Niger State, Ahmed Musa Ibeto from the list of nominees to be screened today, Naij.com can authoritatively report.
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| Fashola smiles profusely while entertaining questions on the floor of the Senate. |
He has been replaced with a nominee from Batch B, Abubakar Bwari Bawa.
Details for his withdrawal remains sketchy. More to follow…
13:35: More questions for Kachikwu
13:34: Kachikwu says: “40% of monies made by the NNPC are spent for its own needs.”
13:32: Kachikwu says: “When we cancel contracts, it is not against the individual but the structure. We want best value and transparency in our contracts”
13:30: Kachikwu says: “There is however the corruption and structure problem at the NNPC.”
13:27: Kachikwu says: “We have well trained individuals and people willing to change the situation of this country at the NNPC. I met people who were eager to work, people who just simply wanted leadership but there’s is a lack of executive will to accomplish this.”
13:23: Kachikwu says: “Strategic reserves and sustenance of refineries will be our priority.”
13:20: Kachikwu says: “Kerosone still remain the bread and butter for an average Nigerian.”
13:17: Kachikwu says: “At the end of December we will compare production of refineries and shut down whichever ones are not producing.”
13:15: Kachikwu says: “If any refinery produce below 60%, then it’s no production.”
13:13: Kachikwu says: “The current average performance level of our Refineries are 25 – 28%.”
13:12: Kachikwu says: “We have enough products in storage to last us 40-50 days.”
13:05: Kachikwu quizzed by Senators on Petroleum industry.
13:02: Saraki asks Kachikwu to introduce himself.
13:00: Next to be screened is Dr. Ibe Kachikwu (Delta state)
12:55: Fashola finally told to take a bow after speaking extensively on topical issues.
12:50: Fashola says: “Where we are today, it is difficult not to go borrowing if we want to save this economy.”
12:45: Fashola says: “The right to free movement is not an absolute right because there are individuals who tend to be a nuisance”
12:43: Fashola says: “We are investing more outside than we are in our country. Which is a major challenge”
12:41: Fashola says: “The choices that we make defines the results we get.”
12:40: Fashola says: “Government should not get involved in needless disputes.”
12:35: Fashola on infrastructure: “Our infrastructure is behind and should be looked into.”
12:33: Fashola on Oshodi sanitation: “It was not the duty of one man”
12:27: More questions for Fashola
Fashola smiles profusely while entertaining questions on the floor of the Senate.
12:23: Fashola says: “The concept to loyalty is a very strange concept. You may have to take a bullet for someone. All my life no one can say i gave my word without sticking to it.”
12:21: Fashola says: “The unfortunate thing about money is that it raises confusion among brothers.”
12:19: Fashola On borehole and website fraud allegation says: “As governor of Lagos state, i didn’t sign cheques, none of my commissioners signed cheques.”
12:17: Fashola says: “We must continue to interface with the older generation.”
12:15: Fashola says: “My Knowledge of Abuja is not as deep as my knowledge of Lagos. I have lived in Lagos all my life. We must commend our founding fathers for conceptualizing the creation of Abuja.”
12:12: Fashola on state security: “When we get uniforms, tailors will sell.”
12:07: Fashola says: “Our governors don’t have capacity to enforce their own laws.”
12:05: Fashola says: “There is a necessity to decentralized. The burden of managing a state becomes easier when the responsibility is shared by all”
12:03: Fashola on his tenure as Governor of Lagos state says : “I saw criminals as my competitors because Government exists to protect citizens.”
12:00: Fashola says: “We need to encourage productivity to help the economy.”
11:58: Fashola says: “I cannot take credit for the work in Lagos state. Our Work in Lagos was a Team Effort, I won’t appropriate personal responsibility for the Good Work.”
11:52: Fashola is now being quizzed by Senators.
11;50: Saraki asks Fashola to introduce himself.
11:48: First to be screened today is Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos state)
11:45: The Senate now moves on for the ministerial screening as it moves into its Committee of a Whole.
11:37: The committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions headed by Sen. Samuel Anyawu representing Imo East has said that Amaechi’s report concerning the petition signed against him is not ready.
11:30: Others include: Finance (Control and Management) Act. No. 33 1958 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2015 (SB. 84) moved by Senator Joshua Dariye, Industrial Revolution Bill 2015 (SB. 86) moved by Senator Albert Bassey, National Institute for Sports Act CAP N52 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2015 (SB. 75) by Senator Shehu Sani, and the presidential transmission bill 2015 (SB. 90) raised by Senator Boroffice
11:25: The Senate Leader and the Clerk of the Senate moves for the Presentation of 7 Bills for First Reading. Some are as follows: 1. Micro-Finance Bill 2015 (SB. 57) moved by Senator Matthew Uroghide, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (est. Etc) Bill 2015 (SB. 58) moved by Senator Philip Aduda, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council Act CAP N117 2004 (Repeal and Re Enanctment) Bill 2015 (SB. 72) moved by Senator Theodore Orji
11:20: A Point of Order is raised on the demise of Chief D.S.P. Alamieyesegha. The Motion is moved forward to the next legislative day.
11:18: Saraki also reads an announcement from the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business Jide Omoworare on its C’ttee Meeting.
11:15: Saraki reads letter from President Muhammadu Buhari approving the withdrawal of Ahmed Musa Ibeto. The letter states: “I write to withdraw the nomination of Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto earlier submitted for confirmation as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Please accept the assurance of my esteemed consideration. “
Saraki reading letter indicating President Buhari’s withdrawal of one of the nominees, Ahmed Musa Ibeto
11:12: Senators approves yesterday’s proceedings and accepts the outcome of the screening exercise.
11:05: Dino Melaye, the spokesman of the upper chamber and the chairman of the Senate adhoc committee on publicity says: “The Senate has taken corrections from yesterday and used the general public as a parameter for judging ourselves. What happened yesterday is confirmation screening, after that confirmation will come and it will be holistic. We are going to consider everyone together at the same time. We are not going to confirm in batches.”
10:53: It’s a full house in the premises of the National Assembly today… Security has also been beefed up.
10:45: Senate President Bukola Saraki comes into the floor for today’s proceedings. He greets fellow Senators and the Official Prayer is taken.
Details for his withdrawal remains sketchy. More to follow…
13:35: More questions for Kachikwu
13:34: Kachikwu says: “40% of monies made by the NNPC are spent for its own needs.”
13:32: Kachikwu says: “When we cancel contracts, it is not against the individual but the structure. We want best value and transparency in our contracts”
13:30: Kachikwu says: “There is however the corruption and structure problem at the NNPC.”
13:27: Kachikwu says: “We have well trained individuals and people willing to change the situation of this country at the NNPC. I met people who were eager to work, people who just simply wanted leadership but there’s is a lack of executive will to accomplish this.”
13:23: Kachikwu says: “Strategic reserves and sustenance of refineries will be our priority.”
13:20: Kachikwu says: “Kerosone still remain the bread and butter for an average Nigerian.”
13:17: Kachikwu says: “At the end of December we will compare production of refineries and shut down whichever ones are not producing.”
13:15: Kachikwu says: “If any refinery produce below 60%, then it’s no production.”
13:13: Kachikwu says: “The current average performance level of our Refineries are 25 – 28%.”
13:12: Kachikwu says: “We have enough products in storage to last us 40-50 days.”
13:05: Kachikwu quizzed by Senators on Petroleum industry.
13:02: Saraki asks Kachikwu to introduce himself.
13:00: Next to be screened is Dr. Ibe Kachikwu (Delta state)
12:55: Fashola finally told to take a bow after speaking extensively on topical issues.
12:50: Fashola says: “Where we are today, it is difficult not to go borrowing if we want to save this economy.”
12:45: Fashola says: “The right to free movement is not an absolute right because there are individuals who tend to be a nuisance”
12:43: Fashola says: “We are investing more outside than we are in our country. Which is a major challenge”
12:41: Fashola says: “The choices that we make defines the results we get.”
12:40: Fashola says: “Government should not get involved in needless disputes.”
12:35: Fashola on infrastructure: “Our infrastructure is behind and should be looked into.”
12:33: Fashola on Oshodi sanitation: “It was not the duty of one man”
12:27: More questions for Fashola
Fashola smiles profusely while entertaining questions on the floor of the Senate.
12:23: Fashola says: “The concept to loyalty is a very strange concept. You may have to take a bullet for someone. All my life no one can say i gave my word without sticking to it.”
12:21: Fashola says: “The unfortunate thing about money is that it raises confusion among brothers.”
12:19: Fashola On borehole and website fraud allegation says: “As governor of Lagos state, i didn’t sign cheques, none of my commissioners signed cheques.”
12:17: Fashola says: “We must continue to interface with the older generation.”
12:15: Fashola says: “My Knowledge of Abuja is not as deep as my knowledge of Lagos. I have lived in Lagos all my life. We must commend our founding fathers for conceptualizing the creation of Abuja.”
12:12: Fashola on state security: “When we get uniforms, tailors will sell.”
12:07: Fashola says: “Our governors don’t have capacity to enforce their own laws.”
12:05: Fashola says: “There is a necessity to decentralized. The burden of managing a state becomes easier when the responsibility is shared by all”
12:03: Fashola on his tenure as Governor of Lagos state says : “I saw criminals as my competitors because Government exists to protect citizens.”
12:00: Fashola says: “We need to encourage productivity to help the economy.”
11:58: Fashola says: “I cannot take credit for the work in Lagos state. Our Work in Lagos was a Team Effort, I won’t appropriate personal responsibility for the Good Work.”
11:52: Fashola is now being quizzed by Senators.
11;50: Saraki asks Fashola to introduce himself.
11:48: First to be screened today is Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos state)
11:45: The Senate now moves on for the ministerial screening as it moves into its Committee of a Whole.
11:37: The committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions headed by Sen. Samuel Anyawu representing Imo East has said that Amaechi’s report concerning the petition signed against him is not ready.
11:30: Others include: Finance (Control and Management) Act. No. 33 1958 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2015 (SB. 84) moved by Senator Joshua Dariye, Industrial Revolution Bill 2015 (SB. 86) moved by Senator Albert Bassey, National Institute for Sports Act CAP N52 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2015 (SB. 75) by Senator Shehu Sani, and the presidential transmission bill 2015 (SB. 90) raised by Senator Boroffice
11:25: The Senate Leader and the Clerk of the Senate moves for the Presentation of 7 Bills for First Reading. Some are as follows: 1. Micro-Finance Bill 2015 (SB. 57) moved by Senator Matthew Uroghide, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (est. Etc) Bill 2015 (SB. 58) moved by Senator Philip Aduda, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council Act CAP N117 2004 (Repeal and Re Enanctment) Bill 2015 (SB. 72) moved by Senator Theodore Orji
11:20: A Point of Order is raised on the demise of Chief D.S.P. Alamieyesegha. The Motion is moved forward to the next legislative day.
11:18: Saraki also reads an announcement from the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business Jide Omoworare on its C’ttee Meeting.
11:15: Saraki reads letter from President Muhammadu Buhari approving the withdrawal of Ahmed Musa Ibeto. The letter states: “I write to withdraw the nomination of Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto earlier submitted for confirmation as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Please accept the assurance of my esteemed consideration. “
Saraki reading letter indicating President Buhari’s withdrawal of one of the nominees, Ahmed Musa Ibeto
11:12: Senators approves yesterday’s proceedings and accepts the outcome of the screening exercise.
11:05: Dino Melaye, the spokesman of the upper chamber and the chairman of the Senate adhoc committee on publicity says: “The Senate has taken corrections from yesterday and used the general public as a parameter for judging ourselves. What happened yesterday is confirmation screening, after that confirmation will come and it will be holistic. We are going to consider everyone together at the same time. We are not going to confirm in batches.”
10:53: It’s a full house in the premises of the National Assembly today… Security has also been beefed up.
10:45: Senate President Bukola Saraki comes into the floor for today’s proceedings. He greets fellow Senators and the Official Prayer is taken.
