Members of the National Assembly are gearing up to resume work on Tuesday following an extended recess of over eight weeks.
As the lawmakers enjoyed their break, Nigerians across the country grappled with a crisis of escalating living costs, fueled by government policies.
In this report, Media Talk Africa highlights some of the critical issues that the National Assembly will address upon their return.
Confirmation of CBN Governor
Last week, President Bola Tinubu nominated Yemi Cardoso as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Cardoso has since assumed the role in an acting capacity.
This appointment has triggered controversy on social media platforms, with Nigerians questioning the status of Godwin Emefiele. Concerns were raised about appointing Cardoso while Emefiele was under suspension.
However, the CBN released a statement on Friday through its Director of Corporate Communications, Isa AbdulMumin, stating that Emefiele had already resigned.
The Senate is expected to commence the confirmation process on Tuesday. However, it is anticipated that Cardoso may face opposition from some Senators who are critical of what they perceive as the “Yorubanization of the economic sector.”
President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Cardoso as Emefiele’s replacement, as well as Zacch Adedeji as the Acting FIRS boss, has not been well-received by many Northern Senators.
Confirmation of New Ministers
Another pressing matter is the confirmation of the new ministers nominated by President Tinubu. Notably, Jamaila Ibrahim and Ayodele Olawande have been nominated as ministers of youth.
The Senate will commence their confirmation process this Tuesday.
This also raises questions about the fate of Nasir el-Rufai and other nominees who were not cleared by the Senate. The former governor of Kaduna State was not cleared due to security reports. However, President Tinubu has yet to nominate a replacement, opting instead to indicate that the Ministry of Environment is reserved for Kaduna State.
Although several media outlets have reported that el-Rufai has withdrawn, all eyes will still be on the Senate regarding his status as the President has not put forth a replacement.
New Minimum Wage
Last week, Festus Osifo, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), announced that organized labor is eagerly anticipating the President’s announcement of a new minimum wage to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
The minimum wage falls under the exclusive legislative list in the constitution, granting the National Assembly the authority to legislate on this matter. The executive is expected to submit the bill on minimum wage to the National Assembly.
Budget
As the National Assembly reconvenes, Nigerians will eagerly await President Tinubu’s presentation of the annual budget to both chambers.
During his campaign, the President promised to review the country’s fiscal policy. The budget may shed light on his plans.
According to the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the National Assembly should have already received the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP). However, both documents have yet to arrive at the parliament.
The National Assembly may also strive to maintain the January to December budget cycle by passing the 2024 budget before adjourning in December.
Insecurity
A few days ago, dozens of female students at the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State were kidnapped by bandits. The Army managed to rescue only eight, leaving the fate of the others unknown.
Insecurity plagues Nigeria, with citizens across the country grappling with various challenges, from bandits in the north to separatist movements in the southeast.
As the lawmakers reconvene, Nigerians eagerly await the response of their elected representatives.
Mandatory Autopsy Proposal
Last week, Senator Ned Nwoko from Delta State announced his intention to introduce a bill mandating autopsies for every deceased person.
Sen. Nwoko made this announcement amidst the controversy surrounding the death of Afrobeat singer Mohbad.
Such a bill’s introduction may spark debates among lawmakers about the death of the musician. It is worth noting that Senator Elisha Abbo also visited the mother of the late superstar.
When the lawmakers reconvene on Tuesday, the singer’s death may be discussed.
Akpabio’s Alleged Impeachment Plot
During the recess, there were speculations that certain Senators, particularly those from the North, may initiate impeachment proceedings against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Media Talk Africa learned that only a small number of lawmakers are currently interested in pursuing this action, with Southern lawmakers standing in support of the former Akwa-Ibom governor.
Upon the lawmakers’ return, it will become clearer whether this impeachment concern holds any weight or is merely a fluke.
