The senate was set to override the veto of Goodluck Jonathan, former president, on the 2015 constitution amendment bill on Thursday, but it backed down for no obvious reason.
In Thursday’s order paper of the senate, which outlines its programmes for the day, the first item on it read: “Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria (fourth alteration) bill 2015 (SB. 547) – Veto override. Sen Ike Ekweremadu, CFR (Enugu west) and 46 others.”
But Ndoma Egba, senate leader, moved a motion urging the senate to defer the item to another legislative day.
Consequently, George Akume, senate minority leader, seconded the motion, after which the bill was pigeon-holed.
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David Mark, senate president, had said on Wednesday that the senate would deliberate on the constitution amendment Thursday. But the senate went on with its valedictory session with the majority leader declaring that the 7th senate passed about 123 bills from June 6, 2011 to June 4 2015.
“The 7th senate is remarkable because it was scandal-free,” he said. “And the 7th senate discharged its duties creditably well.”
At least 55 senators spoke during the session, thanking God for guiding them throughout their stay at the upper chamber.
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Of note was the statement by Chris Anyanwu (Imo), which urged the next senate to consider exercising its power of veto so that its works will not go to waste.
The valedictory session marks the end of the 7th senate. The 8th will be inaugurated next Tuesday.
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