By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
The Senate yesterday assured Nigerians that it would commence the process to reconcile the stakeholders in the Rivers State political crisis on resumption from plenary today (Tuesday)
The two chambers of the National Assembly had previously adjourned plenary on March 27, ahead of the Easter and Eid al-Fitr holidays.
In a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the Red Chamber will focus on pending fiscal legislation, political issues and security matters.
He said, “First on our agenda is the further consideration of the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.
“Its passage has become imperative to reform the country’s tax regime and shore up the federation’s revenue.
“This will also help governments at all levels to implement projects and deliver the dividends of democracy.”
On the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, Bamidele said, “As we resume, the Senate will work with the Executive to resolve all the lingering socio-political issues across the federation, including the situation in Rivers State.”
He said, “The essence is to ensure that all stakeholders come to terms on the need to address the root causes of those issues and ensure proper reconciliation of all key actors in the overriding public interest.
“The recent resurgence of insecurity in different parts of the federation, especially Benue, Borno, Katsina and Plateau, has caught our attention.
“As the foremost democratic institution that makes laws for the Federation’s peace, order and good government, the Senate will speed engagement with key actors in the security sector and develop mechanisms for effective national security management. We are committed to putting an end to all acts of terrorism across the federation.”
The Senate Leader said that while the Senate was on recess, the Presidency announced a number of appointments, including the management of the South-South Development Commission.
“On this ground, we will be screening nominees of the President for different appointments that require the approval of the Senate,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), was proceeding steadily.
He said, “Now that we have resumed, the Constitution Review Committee chaired by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jubrin, will speed up the review process to strengthen our federal structure in the interest of all.
“Likewise, the Senate will kick-start the review of the Electoral Act, 2022, for a more credible and transparent election.
“Finally, we have bills of strategic national interest that are pending before the Senate on different sectors of the economy. It is urgent to consider those bills and ensure their passage expeditiously.
“We will also encourage our special and standing committees to put in place public hearings that will allow us to engage with the electorate on various aspects of law-making and give their inputs,” he added.
