Olumide Lawal
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki has disclosed that the Upper Chamber passed 18 bills between September and December while 64 bills passed through second reading within period under review.
Saraki who made the disclosure while giving his end of session remarks at plenary on Thursday, also announced the adjournment of Senate to January 10, 2017.
According to him, 2016 has been a productive year going by the senate’s accomplishment under a short time.
He commended the lawmakers for doing so much within a short period, adding that their commitment to entrenchment of democracy would go down in history of the country.
Saraki said the number of bills passed within the short period is more than the number passed between May 2015 and Sept. 2016.
He said, “It has been a productive session and I am proud of the work we have been able to do. We discussed the economic recession and went ahead to agree to address some of our 11 economic bills at this shortest period. All these bills have gone through second reading and they have gone for public hearing and are all about to be laid in a short period. Also, the entire May 2015 to September, 2016 we only passed 14 bills.
“In one and half years, what we did in this three months surpassed what we have done in a year and half and concurrence with the House of Representatives, we did about 34. This is truly very commendable and it won’t have been done without the support of everybody.” he said.
Saraki assured that the Senate would not rest on its oars in ensuring that the country got out of recession.
The Senate president thanked all committee members for their commitment to oversight functions, adding that their role had improved governance greatly in the country.
He said, “I commend your courage. I commend what you have been able to stand for and I am truly proud to be part of this Senate.’’
