Lawan’s felicitation is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media Ola Awoniyi in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that this year’s celebration came at a time that Nigeria was striving to restore law and order in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests.

“Our harrowing experience over the past few weeks underscores the need for us as a people of faith to imbibe and demonstrate in our every conduct the virtues of love, peace and tolerance which Prophet Mohammed personifies.

“This trying time requires our prayers and supplications to Allah to intervene to restore peace and love of neighbours to our land.

“However, it also requires of us introspection as to the roles we are playing as leaders and individual citizens in building the nation that we desire.

He said that the protesters had made their points in their patriotic demands for better policing and political governance and had secured the commitment of the government to addressing the issues that they raised.

“I urge our youths in the spirit of this occasion to embrace peace and engage government through dialogue, as the corrections they seek can only manifest under a peaceful atmosphere,” Lawan said.

The Senate President reiterated the commitment of the ninth National Assembly to the entrenchment of processes that would encourage the youth to tap their talents and pursue their dreams for the elevation of Nigeria.

Lawan expressed confidence that the trials would ultimately strengthen our bonds as citizens of the same nation and propel Nigeria to its great destiny.

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It also urged the protesting youths to stop the protest to allow the Federal Government address their demands.

Senate resolutions was sequel to a point of order motion on “Matters of Urgent National Importance” brought by Sen. Biodun Olujumi (PDP Ekiti).

Details later.

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Lawan made the statement at Tuesday’s plenary in his concluding remarks on a matter of personal explanation into the murder of Jimoh Isiaka by the Police, and attack on the Palace of Soun of Ogbomoso Land during the recent #EndSARS protest in some states across the country.

The Senate President while commenting on the development which was sparked by SARS brutality against Nigerians, described previous conduct of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad as “unacceptable”.

“SARS was funded by public funds and the entire essence of having the Nigeria Police Force is to ensure that there is law and order, and that there is security for our people.

“When SARS turned against the people, it was right for the people to protest peacefully,” Lawan said.

The Senate President also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for promising to bring to justice all those involved in perpetrating various atrocities against Nigerians.

He, therefore, prevailed on Nigerians to suspend the #EndSARS protest, particularly in view of the recent disbandment of the police unit by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

Lawan assured that those found culpable of Police brutality against Nigerians would be brought to face the weight of the law.

“I think the protest has yielded the desired result so far, and there may not be need to continue to have protests again when SARS has been disbanded.

“Those culprits who were involved in the killing and maiming of Nigerians will be brought to book.

“I think we should give the government the chance to implement those reforms as quickly as possible,” the Senate President appealed.

Sen. Buhari Abdulfatai (APC-Oyo North), while coming under Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules, noted with grief “the death of Jimoh Isiaka and several other promising youth.

He said that their lives were “cut short at their prime during the recent #EndSARS protest, which started on Oct. 8.”

According to the lawmaker, the right to peaceful assembly and free expression as a fundamental principle of any democracy, is enshrined in Section 40 of Nigeria Constitution 1999.

He said the section guarantees the right of every Nigerian to peaceful protest.

Abdulfatai decried the #EndSARS protest, which he said, resulted into a confrontation between the security operatives and the protesting youth in some parts of country such as Ogbomoso in Oyo State, where violence was recorded.

“For instance, the Nigeria Police were alleged to have injured seven (7) protesters and shot dead a young man known as Jimoh Isiaka, a Constituent of mine during the protest,” the lawmaker lamented.

He added that as a reaction to the death of Jimoh Isiaka, the palace of the Paramount Ruler of the city, the Soun of Ogbomoso land, was attacked by the protesters who destroyed property and vehicles, with some palace officials sustaining injuries.

Also, Sen. Richas Okorocha (APC-Imo West), kicked against the arrest and detention of #EndSARS protesters across the country by the Police.

He stressed the need for those arrested during the protests to be released from detention unconditionally by the Police so as to calm frayed nerves.

Okorocha called on the Federal Government to prosecute police officers who went out of the rules of engagement to harm Nigerians during the protests.

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The Senators during plenary took turns to make submissions on the budget.

Our correspondent reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had on Thursday, Oct. 8, presented the proposed appropriation bill before a joint session of the National Assembly.

Buhari said the Budget tagged: ”Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience” will address key economic issues as the country tries to recover from the impact of the coronavirus and the oil price drop.

Contributing, Senate Leader, Sen. Abdullahi Yahaya Abubakar said that the bill was deemed to have been read the first time by virtue of its being laid before the Joint Session of the National Assembly.

“This Bill seeks to authorises the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N13, 082, 420, 568, 233 only for the year ending on Dec. 31 2021.

“Today, we are in interesting, difficult and tumultuous times, not only in our country but throughout the world.

“We have arrived at a watershed; a crossroad in history when we cannot afford to make any grievous mistake that could plunge our nation and our people into turmoil and self-destruction.

“It is a time for sober judgement, reflection and statecraft.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, we are all witnesses to the cacophony of voices and opinions of some leading members of our society, our compatriots who out of genuine concerns, frustration, sense of entitlement or sheer political bravado, call for the dismemberment of this nation.

“The constitutional reform process is there in the National Assembly to satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians for restructuring and reshaping our federation to make it an inclusive and all-embracing polity.

“We as Senators of the Federal Republic, should not contemplate the dangerous and destabilising temptations of dismembering our federation.

”We must stand by the honour of our status, our convictions and our oath of office which is to preserve and protect the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians, as a whole.

“We are obliged to place the social and economic challenges we face today in their proper historical perspectives with a view to determining the best course of action for our people and our nation at this point in history.”

Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe said that “this budget is nothing but the same.

“We have a budget based on unrealistic expectations. We are not also so sure what the oil situation is going to be.

“If the budget is based on assumption, I agree but we are not assuming properly. I want to go ahead and say it does not reflect the understanding of the fundamental challenges of today.

“This budget is nothing but old news. Every time the same old news, nothing new,” he said.

Also, Sen. Gabriel Suswam (PDP-Benue) said that “the budget is themed economy recovery and resilience. It means something has gone wrong and you want to repair something that has gone wrong.”

He said that the issue was not a partisan one but was about Nigerians.

“Most of the time, when you do domestic borrowing, you crowd out the private sector. Mr President’s intention of creating jobs is not actualisable.

“We are literally violating the laws we have set out. The leader mentioned in page 4 that the budget is not sustainable. The deficit has gone beyond three per cent.

“For every N100 earned, N60 goes to debt servicing. When will borrowing end?

Similarly, Sen.George Sekbio (PDP-Rivers) noted that the budget of N13.08 trillion had a deficit of N5.20 trillion.

“How can the capital project be lower than the deficit? I hope when we get the money, it is properly utilised,” he said.

Sen. Ike Ekweremadu (PDP-Enugu) said that for the first time, the debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio was over three per cent.

“I want the Committees on Finance and Appropriation to find a solution to this.

“I have been very worried about the way we are going in terms of borrowing. I am concerned on the loan being given by China.

“They will not let you go off any of the debt because all the monies are for specific projects and if they are not done they take over.

“The other issue is the issue of social intervention. We have spent a lot of money on it but we still have young men who are looking for jobs.”

Ekweremadu a former Deputy Senate President said that the real issues had to be dealt with by investing in Information Communication Technology and modern agriculture.

“We must create life style centre around agriculture and in modern farms. Until we do that, it will remain unattractive to our young people.

“The last issue is on value to cost. The government is making certain expenditures on health centres but what has happened is that those health centres are not put to use because there are no doctors or nurses.”

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The request which was contained in a letter dated Oct. 12, was read at plenary by President of Senate, Ahmad Lawan.

The letter reads: “Pursuant to Paragraph 14 of Part I(F) of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I hereby forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the following four (4) Commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The nominees listed by the President are: Prof Muhammad Sani Kallah (National Electoral Commissioner), Katsina; Lauretta Onochie (National Electoral Commissioner), Delta; Prof Kunle Cornelius Ajayi (National Electoral Commissioner), Ekiti; and Saidu Babura Ahmad (Resident Electoral Commissioner), Jigawa.

In a related development, President Buhari in a separate letter to the Upper Chamber, requested the confirmation of appointment of three (3) Executive Directors of the Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

According to the President, the request for confirmation was in accordance with the provision of Section 2(3) of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act 2007.

The nominees for confirmation are:. Ifeanyi Christian Kammelu (Executive Director – South East); Muhammad Gambo Bizi (Executive Director – North East); and Prof. Abubakar Ismail (Executive Director – North West).

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While the process from nomination to Senate confirmation often take over two months, the Republican-controlled Senate is seeking to expedite it at Trump’s behest so it finishes before the Nov. 3, poll.

Barrett would replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an icon of the court’s liberal wing, who died in September after a battle with cancer.

She would give the court a 6-3 conservative majority if confirmed, though the court does not always vote along ideological lines.

Barrett, along with the senators, will provide opening statements.

In her remarks obtained in advance by U.S. media outlets, she is expected to say that value judgments or policy decisions should not be determined by the courts, but by Congress, alluding to her conservative legal philosophy, which seeks to restrain the courts.

“Courts have a vital responsibility to enforce the rule of law, which is critical to a free society,’’ her prepared remarks said.

“But courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life.’’

The hearing will take place in the Senate Judiciary, which is led by Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch Trump ally.

Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Graham said the hearings will run through Thursday before the 22-member committee votes on Oct. 22, sending her nomination to the entire Senate.

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Lawan gave the commendation in a press statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr. Ola Awoniyi, in Abuja on Sunday.

He said that with the courageous decision to dissolve the police unit, the President and his government have shown themselves as responsive to the feelings of the people.

“I am applauding the President because it is a demonstration of good leadership to yield to the demand of the populace in difficult situations like this,” Lawan said.

He also commended the Inspector-General of Police for the decision and challenged him to come up with measures for the transformation of the Nigeria Police into an effective law enforcement and crime fighting agency that will be a true and respected friend of the Nigerian people.

The Senate President said the measures should fully address all the issues that earned the dissolved SARS the odium of the Nigerian people.

“The expectation is that this situation offers us another opportunity to reform the operations of the entire Force.

“I also reiterate my call for the prosecution of all security personnel whose extra judicial killings and other acts of misconduct brought us to this sorry state.

“I hope that the steps taken by the Inspector-General of Police will be followed with more comprehensive reform of the Police,” Lawan said.

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The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, made this known while reacting to the 2021 budget estimate presented to the National Assembly.

While also reacting to a report by a foreign medium that the upper chamber was suspending work on the Bill until next year because of the budget, Basiru said “this is not true”.

“This is not true because the bill is central even to the realisation of revenue and putting our oil in competitive international market.

“On Oct. 20, the bill will enter second reading after which it will be sent to the relevant committees of the Senate, that is committees on upstream and downstream sector.

“So that as work is being done on the 2021 appropriation, work will be done at the same time on the PIB.”

On the 2021 appropriation, Basiru said, “we will make sure that copies of the presented budget are made available to senators latest by Monday.

“So that on Tuesday, the senators will take turns to discuss the principle of the budget and make their views and comments known publicly before it is sent to the relevant committee under the coordination of appropriation committee.”

While speaking to news men on the proposed budget, Sen. Obinna Ogba (PDP-Ebonyi), said, “I’m very happy the way Mr. President had spoken.

“The way he has directed the ministers, the MDAs for them to come and defend their budget.

“This is because why budgets have been delayed most of the time is because the ministers and MDAs find it difficult to defend their budget.”

He called on the executive to find ways of tackling revenue leakages in MDAs for the country to thrive economically.

“The country needs to do something about it not that the country does not have revenue but these revenues go down the drain.

“What they account for in the country is not actually what is generated.

“Efforts should be made that all monies generated should go directly to the federation account.”

Also Sen. Yusuf Yusuf (APC-Taraba), said that the budget presentation was a usual routine.

“It is a usual routine but every year we do this but like Mr President has emphasised that this time, is a very challenging budget.

“You know we have a high amount of deficit and then our revenue is not commensurate with our expectation.

“We have the COVID-19 challenge and so many other challenges this time that we have to contend with.

“But I am pleased that we are all determined by the MDAs, by the National Assembly itself, that we are going to work round the clock to make sure we give Nigeria the budget that can be sustained, that can provide better value for the Nigerian people,” he said.

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It also directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to look into the complaints of Nigerians and review the charges on their bank accounts.

The resolutions of Senate, were sequel to a motion by Sen. Abba Moro (PDP-Benue South) on urgent need to investigate and review illicit and excessive charges by Nigerian banks on customers’ accounts.

Moro, while presenting the motion, said there have been several complaints from Nigerians over illicit and excessive charges by commercial banks on their accounts.

He said that such charges and deductions ranged from bank Short Message Service (SMS) charges, intra-bank transfers charges in the sum of N52.50, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), card renewal charges, account maintenance charges in the sum of N93.13, among other charges.

He said that the charges had caused uproar within the public, as Nigerians felt the charges were fraudulent and targeted at further impoverishing them.

Moro said that Nigerians were worried as to what the money being deducted for the charges was for, as countries in overseas do not charge their customers in like manner.

He said that Nigerian banks in a bid to extort customers had set most of their ATM machines to dispense cash below the maximum of N40,000 that ATMs were programme to dispense per transaction.

“Thus, customers using ATMs do not have a choice than to withdraw much lagger amounts per transaction, thereby incurring additional cost of N65 per transaction after using ATM beyond three times.”

He also said that rather than banks giving out ATM cards stuck in their machines back to card holder, such cards were shredded into pieces and the card holder had to apply for another ATM card which attracted N1,000.

“We can imagine the number of Nigerians who have experienced their cards being stuck in the machine and having to pay N1,000 over again for re-issuance,” Abba said.

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The valedictory session followed a motion by Senate Majority Leader, Abdullahi Yahaya (APC Kebbi -North), having moved for the suspension of Order 17 of the Senate rules to allow the family, dignitaries and other close relations of the deceased into the red chamber.

Senators dressed in white and back attires took turns to pay glowing tributes to the late senator.

First to pay tribute was Yahaya who moved the motion for the Senate to go into the valedictory session.

Yahaya said the Senate could not hold the session earlier because of the COVID -19 Pandemic and the annual vacation of the National Assembly.

Yahaya said late Senator Oko was a highly accomplished educationist, given her exemplary pedigree in the educational sector.

While praying to God to grant her eternal rest, Yahaya said “Rose Oko was very knowledgeable, a dependable ally to me in our committee responsibility.”

She will be remembered for her brilliance, Yahaya said.

Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP Abia), disclosed that late Oko was the fourth senator to have died since the inauguration of the ninth Senate.

He said her demise was an opportunity for them to reflect on their mortality, saying that the late Senator was a gentle speaker who made great points in her presentations.

Abaribe described her as a mother who would be missed by all, noting that her life was a life of celebration.

Sen. Sabi Abdullahi (APC Niger), described her as simple and easy going, and a woman of peace.

Abdullahi advocated the naming of the headquarters of the Diaspora Commission after her, given her steering contributions as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) in the eighth Senate.

For Sen. Oluremi Tinubu (APC Lagos), Rose Oko lived a very significant and robust life, saying that the late Oko was the pride of the Senate, a brave woman who came, saw and conquered.

Tinubu described her as a great loss to humanity.

Other senators who paid tributes and condoled with the family of the late senator include;

In his tribute, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, expressed his condolences to the immediate family.

He said the death of Sen. Oko was a loss to all, noting that she was productive and impacted positively in her state and national level, hence her life should be celebrated.

He urged the living to be mindful of supporting her dreams, especially in the educational sector for development of the country.

Lawan said late Oko was very committed to her responsibility in the Senate, hence everyone who interacted with her in different capacities gave a good testimony about her.

He said her commitment to her senatorial district would continue to be a reference point to all.

He urged the political elites to always come together despite party differences and do those things that would benefit the country in general.

The senate president said that the Red chamber would continue to liaise with the family for the funeral slated for November.

The Senate, thereafter, offered prayers for the late senator and observed a minute of silent.

Other Senators who paid tribute to the late Senator Oko included Gershom Bassey, Bala Na’ Allah, Rochas Okorocha, Sam Egwu, Thompson Seikibo, Berty Apiafi, Abba Moro, Chris Ekpenyong, Stella Oduah, Theodore Orji, Kola Balogun, Uche Ekwunife, and Chukwuka Utazi.

Our correspondent reports that dignitaries present at the valedictory session included Sen. Pius Anyim Pius, former President of Senate and Secretary to Government of the Federation, Sen. Liyel Imoke, former Governor of Cross-River State.

Others are; Mr Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, Pullen Tellen,Minister of Women Affairs, Goddy Agba, Minister of State (Power), among others.

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