The Senate on Tuesday suspended two main legislative actions—debate on proposed amendments to its Standing Orders 2023 and consideration of the Cocoa Administration Board Institution Invoice 2025—following inside objections and a proper request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Standing Orders Modification Stalled After Minority Chief’s Objection
Earlier in plenary, the Senate thought of a movement sponsored by the Senate Chief, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), looking for complete amendments to the standing orders.
The proposed amendments search to modernise the Senate’s Standing Orders by aligning them with new nationwide realities, together with the institution of assorted special-purpose commissions. In addition they intention to make clear committee jurisdictions and guarantee higher harmonisation with corresponding committees within the Home of Representatives.
As well as, the updates would refine the principles governing senators-elect’s participation within the election of presiding officers, whereas clearly outlining the {qualifications} and rating standards for management positions.
The assessment additional covers procedures for the suspension of senators in addition to changes to committee composition to strengthen illustration and improve the Senate’s general effectiveness.
Formally incorporate new committees, together with these referring to the newly created geopolitical growth commissions, livestock growth, and reparations and repatriations.
The chamber warned that failure to replace the principles might weaken oversight and diminish institutional capability. It subsequently resolved to take a seat as a committee of the entire to think about the amendments and directed the clerk to arrange new drafts.
Nevertheless, proceedings shifted when Senate Minority Chief Abba Moro (Benue South) raised some extent of order underneath Order 109, urging the chamber to “tarry slightly bit” and search additional clarification earlier than continuing.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld the objection, successfully suspending debate on the proposed amendments till additional discover.
In a separate growth, President Bola Tinubu wrote to the Senate requesting the suspension of deliberations on the Cocoa Administration Board Institution Invoice 2025.
The letter, dated November 12 and skim by Senate President Akpabio, requested lawmakers to halt motion on the invoice “to allow additional consultations.”
“That is stood down in keeping with the presidential request,” Akpabio introduced after studying the letter.
President Tinubu had earlier forwarded the invoice—aimed toward strengthening Nigeria’s participation within the international cocoa financial system by enhancing coordination and requirements within the cocoa worth chain—on November 10.
Tuesday’s plenary thus noticed the Senate undertake a cautious strategy on two vital issues—one inside and procedural, the opposite financial and sectoral—preferring to pause for additional assessment and session.
Each points are anticipated to return to the legislative agenda as soon as all excellent issues and consultations have been addressed.
