The National Assembly will be back to work on Tuesday after a break of more than eight weeks.
Legislators may have been on vacation, but the cost of living crisis that has hit Nigerians everywhere is a direct result of government policy.
When the National Assembly reconvenes following the holiday recess, examines some of the topics that will need to be addressed.
CBN Governor Appointed and Confirmed
The nominee for Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, who was nominated by President Bola Tinubu last week, has returned to work in an acting capacity.
As many Nigerians are confused about Godwin Emefiele’s qualifications, his nomination has sparked debate online. When Mr. Emefiele was still on suspension, many people voiced concern over the selection of Mr. Cardoso.
On Friday, however, CBN Director of Corporate Communications Isa AbdulMumin released a statement confirming Mr. Emefiele’s resignation.
The Senate will likely begin the confirmation process on Tuesday. But the DAILY POST has learned that several Senators are worried about the “Yorubanization of the economic sector” and may oppose Mr. Cardoso strongly.
Many senators from the north are unhappy with the president’s choice of Cardoso to replace Emefiele and Zacch Adedeji to lead the FIRS in the interim.
New ministers are approved by the Senate
The new cabinet members recommended by President Tinubu have also been approved. You may remember that President Tinubu appointed Jamaila Ibrahim and Ayodele Olawande to the positions of minister of youth and sports, respectively.
When the Senate reconvenes on Tuesday, they will likely begin the confirmation process.
A determination has also been made regarding Nasir el-Rufai and the other nominations who were not approved by the Senate. The former governor of Kaduna State was not given a clean bill of health by the Senate due to security concerns. However, President Tinubu has failed to designate a replacement, and he has instead suggested that Kaduna State should get the Ministry of Environment.
Even though Mr. el-Rufai has reportedly withdrawn his nomination, the Senate will still be closely watched because the President has not nominated a replacement.
Adjusted Minimum Wage
To mitigate the negative effects of the loss of the fuel subsidy, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo stated last week that the organized Labor is waiting for an announcement of a new minimum wage from the President.
The constitutional minimum wage is an issue reserved for special legislation. This means that the National Assembly can set a minimum salary if it so chooses. The executive branch will send it a minimum wage bill.
Budget
On Tuesday, when the National Assembly starts, President Tinubu will deliver his annual budget to the two houses. This will provide Nigerians a glimpse into his plans for the country’s finances.
The President, it will be recalled, campaigned on a vow to reassess the country’s fiscal policy if elected. The budget may provide the first window into his strategy.
According to the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the National Assembly should have received the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) by now, but neither document has arrived.
The National Assembly may also be aiming to maintain the January-December budget cycle by working to have the 2024 budget passed before the end of the year.
Insecurity
Bandits kidnapped hundreds of female students from Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State a few days ago, and just eight were apparently recovered by the Army. Their whereabouts and fate are now unclear.
Aside from the situation in Zamfara, Nigerians face widespread insecurity due to anything from bandits in the North to separatist agitation in the South-east.
On Tuesday, when Congress reconvenes, Nigerians will be looking for responses from their representatives.
Legally required autopsy; Mohbad
Last Monday, Delta State Senator Ned Nwoko said that he would draft legislation to make autopsies mandatory for all deaths.
Following the uproar surrounding the death of Afrobeat singer Mohbad, Sen Nwoko made the statement.
The passage of such a statute could spark legislative discussions about the Afrobeat musician’s untimely passing. Sen Elisha Abbo, it should be recalled, also paid a visit to the late superstar’s mother.
It’s possible that the singer’s death will be brought up when lawmakers get back together on Tuesday.
The rumored impeachment plot against Akpabio
Northern legislators in particular have been rumored to be plotting against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during this retreat.
According to information obtained by sarewa hausa, only a small number of legislators have taken this step so far, with members from the South supporting the former governor of Akwa-Ibom.
The reality of the impeachment concern will become obvious once legislative sessions resume.
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