Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, on Thursday, presided over the plenary, his first since the inauguration of the ninth National Assembly in June 2019.
Omo-Agege took over legislative activities from Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, around 11.30am shortly after he (Lawan) constituted a 56-member Constitution Review. Lawan sought to leave the chamber to allow him attend to other national issues outside the National Assembly.
Omo-Agege assumption of the chamber’s headship was greeted with cheers from the lawmakers. “It’s great to see you there,” James Manager (Delta South) told the deputy senate president, who responded “Thank you,” amidst cheers.
Our correspondent observed that Omo-Agege was calm and well-composed while steering the affairs of the plenary. His choice of words were more respectful. His conduct showed that he has a full grab of the legislative proceedings. Senator Abba Moro, PDP, Benue South was the first to move a motion supervised by Senator Omo- Agege.
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Six bills were presented for First Reading and six others for Second Reading. Meanwhile President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan has disclosed that the National Assembly has started consultation with the Executive arm of government on a new version of the Petroleum Industry Bill to be introduced in the ninth National Assembly.
Lawan made the disclosure during a meeting with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) who paid a visit to his office at the National Assembly, Abuja.
Representatives on the IMF delegation are: Amine Mati, Senior Resident Representative Mission Chief for Nigeria; Jesmine Raman; Zainab Mangga; Nanrup Ibrahim; Osana Odonye; and Harrison Okafor.
Lawan said the Ninth Assembly in its determination to see to the eventual passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill which defied passage into law since 2007, devised a strategy which deploys constant interaction and collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.
