| Trade Union Act: Senate
passes first reading without quorum
By TONY ICHEKU and JOE OBI, Abuja
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Though the plenary session of the Senate Tuesday had only
32 Senators in attendance instead of the 36 plus needed to
form a quorum, it adopted a motion for a second reading of
the controversial Trade Union Act (Amendment) Bill and for
a public hearing to be held on it today (Wednesday). The amendments
sponsored by the executive seeks to decentralize the Nigerian
Labour Congress (NLC) and prohibit strikes as a tool in collective
bargaining.
The Senate which normally holds one session, Tuesday, held
two, with an executive session in between. The afternoon session
however failed to record a quorum, nevertheless, the bill
was tabled for a lively debate.
Senators Olurunimbe Mamora and Tawa Wada in their contributions
respectively noted that the amendments do not meet the people’s
wish and that some are unconstitutional.
Quoting an opinion poll conducted by the national daily newspaper,
Mamora urged his colleagues to listen to the voice of the
people which have spoken against the amendments. Deputy Senate
President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu in his contribution queried
the credibility of the media including the the opinion poll,
arguing that the press cannot be relied upon.
However, no discernible division emerged either for or against
the bill, arguments however were based on whether or not the
amendments sought were democratic and constitutional which
the amendment seeks to enthrone.
After it was read a second time, Senate President, Adolphous
Wabara while referring the bill to the Senate Committee on
Labour, Employment and Productivity, mandated that the Committee
report be sent back to the Senate in two days time.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ewa Henshaw however protested
that the bill being of public interest, more time will be
needed for the Committee to work, he asked for two weeks,
but Wabara over-ruled him and gave him one week.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Senator Tawa
Wada later explained to journalists that the executive session
held before the bill was tabled was to consult between members
whether more time should be given to Senators to consult with
their constituency or not, but that a consensus was reached
that the public hearing to be held is also part of consultation.
Answering questions why the Senate continued proceedings without
a quorum, Wada explained that having formed a quorum when
it convened in the morning, it is assumed that a quorum has
been formed for the business of the day.
He continues that the Senate Rule states that if during session,
it is brought to the notice of the Senate, that there is no
longer a quorum, the sitting shall be called off.
"Today we had a "legitimate" quorum since the
attention of the Presiding officer was not called to the fact
that there was no quorum on the floor" He affirmed.
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