Lawan promises speedy action for legal backup of electioneering
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Lawmakers have pledged to speed up the 2010 Electoral Amendment Bill to provide legal backing for preparation for the 2023 ballot, including enabling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deploy resources on the ground.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu announced in Abuja on Tuesday that the timetable will not be released until the bill is signed into law.
President Muhammadu Buhari refused to assent to the version sent to him last December, raising objection to direct primaries favoured by most Nigerians but opposed by Governors who want to hold on to their grip on their political parties.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday gave an assurance that the bill will be re-amended and sent back to Buhari for assent when he delivered an address at the start of plenary to welcome Senators back from the Christmas and New Year break.
He recounted that the Senate postponed in December discussions on the consideration of the Buhari’s objection to enable the Senate consult with its the House of Representatives and their constituents.
“Like we all know, the Senate and indeed the National Assembly worked so hard on the Bill. Having consulted, the Senate will expeditiously look into the issue”, he said.
“This Senate should continue to provide the support that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs for successful elections across the country.”
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Oversight of MDAs
Lawan tasked committees to effectively oversight Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure implementation of the 2022 budget.
“Before we went on the recess, we considered and passed the Appropriation Bill on 22nd of December, 2021. That was the third consecutive time to pass the annual appropriation bill before end of year.
“The Bill was signed into law on 31st of December, 2021 by Mr President, to give the desired effect of starting the implementation of the Budget from January 2022.
“I once again commend the Senate, indeed the National Assembly and the Executive arm of Government for working tirelessly to maintain the instituted January to December budget cycle.
“As we all know the oversight of the implementation of the Budget is a critical function of the National Assembly.
“We must therefore strategize on effective oversight of the implementation of the 2022 Budget.
“This is going to be the last budget that would be fully implemented for 12 months in the life of the Ninth Senate. We therefore, need to supervise very closely.”
Lawan said the Senate will engagement with revenue generating agencies on how to make them achieve their targets and generate more revenues in 2022.
“Funding of the 2022 budget is predicated on significant borrowing. Our country is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.
“We have to construct and provide infrastructure, in all parts of our country because infrastructure is needed for our nation to develop.
“However, we do not generate enough revenues to fund the provision of such infrastructure. Until more revenues are generated, the country has to borrow and also resort to other sources of funding our infrastructural development. But we cannot continue to borrow endlessly.
“It is imperative that we need to improve on the revenue to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio. At about 8% Revenue to GDP ratio, our country is basically at 50% of what is required of the revenue to GDP of 15% for it to support any significant economic development.
“The Senate will develop a strategy of engagement with revenue generating agencies on how to make them achieve their targets and generate more revenues in 2022.
“The Senate will ensure that we boost their revenue generating drive with a view to reducing borrowing for development of our much needed infrastructure. This is a major challenge for our development and we need to treat as such.
Constitution amendment, PIA
“The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 was enacted with a view to providing better investments climate for better performance by the Oil and Gas industry.”
Lawan urged the Chamber to seriously supervise implementation of the PIA so the country can benefit from it.
He also implored his colleagues to continue to prioritise the security and welfare of citizens as in the Constitution and urged Nigerians not to despair because of security challenges.
“Our Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution has done so much work so far. Working with their counterparts in the House of Representatives the report of the committee will be presented to the Senate for consideration soon.
“The Senate will consider the report and the National Assembly will communicate to the State Houses of Assembly within the first quarter of this year.”