The upper chamber of the National Assembly has begin debate on the new Minimum Wage Bill of N27,000 for the Nigerian worker.
The senate who today, suspended its Standing Orders to debate the bill after the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who is presiding read the letter from President Muhammadu Buhari on the new Minimum wage bill, the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, under a point of Order that Order 79 of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 As amended be suspended to enable the bill be read the first time, go through second reading and subsequently be transmitted to the relevant Committee for further action.
Lawan said it became neccesary to put aside that section of the Standing Orders so that the Senators give it an expeditious and accelerated attention, just as that would enable the Bill be read the first time, go through the second reading and forwarded to the committee.
According to Order 79(1), ” Every bill shall receive three readings previous to its passage, which readings shall be in different days, unless the Senate unanimously directs otherwise and the President of the Senate shall give notice at each reading whether it is first, second or third.”
After moving the motion, the Senate Minority leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi who seconded the motion of Senatir Lawan, said that people out there were waiting for them as lawmakers.
The bill is at the moment being read the second time, with Senators making their contribution on it.
Omo-Bagbansoro Uthman is a reporter with THE INFORMANT247. He covers National Assembly and International News.