BY HENRY UMORU & INALEGWU SHAIBU

ABUJA—THE 7th Senate resumed Tuesday from its 32-day annual recess with a commitment to kick start amendment to the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his roadmap for the Senate at the resumption of Plenary, Senate President, David Mark who listed the creation of more states, revenue allocation, state police and establishment of state independent electoral commissions as top on the priority of the upper legislative chamber, promised that the process of the review of the constitution would include tinkering with 2010 electoral act ahead of the forth coming governorships and 2015 general elections.

Meanwhile, the Senate resumed yesterday without the announcement of members of the much expected standing Committees.

The Senate President in his address said, “let me note that constitution amendment remains one of the top priorities of the 7th Senate. Our success in the electoral reforms is now obvious and has been widely acknowledged after the 2011 general election. The onus is therefore on us to build on this success. We shall endeavour to produce a workable constitution that will stand the test of time.

“Nigerians expect us to revisit some fundamental issues such as State creation, the Local Government system, devolution of powers, revenue allocation, State Police, State INEC, uniform minimum wage, joint account and other contentious but important issues.

“We will not run away from any of these issues. I therefore expect that in this session, we will not only deal with them, but also with other issues that will guarantee good governance, peace, justice, and development in our country.

To review 2010 Electoral Act

“Furthermore, in the course of pursuing our legislative agenda, we will most likely review the Electoral Act, 2010. While the 2010 Act laid the foundation for possibly the best election in our democratic history, like any other human products, it is still not perfect.

“In our quest to continue to improve our electoral processes, we will work with the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, and other stakeholders to revisit the 2010 Electoral Act to address the issues arising from its operation ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in some states and the 2015 general election.”

Senator Mark who also lamented the collapse of security in the country as orchestrated by Boko Haram sect, including the wanton killings in Plateau State, assured Nigerians that the Senate will wade into the crisis with a view to nipping in the bud the senseless killings in Plateau State.

“Permit me to note, albeit most sadly, that in the past few months, our dear nation has come under grievous attacks by forces of darkness and agents of insecurity and destabilization.

“Innocent lives have been mindlessly wasted and properties wantonly destroyed through bomb explosions and related acts of violence. Emotions have been ruptured, rivers of tears ripped open, and the land needlessly drenched with the blood of hapless innocent citizens.

“Indeed, what we have witnessed is gravely discordant with our cultural and religious values of the sanctity of life and our age long tradition of being our brothers’ keeper. I have no doubt therefore that you share my view that this is most deplorable and totally unacceptable. We must address the issue of insecurity squarely, head on once and for all.

“May I on behalf of this Senate, send my heartfelt condolences to families and friends who lost their loved ones in the various bombing incidents and acts of violence across the country. As we pray for the peaceful repose of the dead, I would like to assure all that we will do whatever it takes to bring lasting peace so that everybody will live and thrive without fear,” he added.

Condemns oil spillage in N-Delta, flood in Ibadan, Lagos

Senator Mark who also decried the environmental disasters that plagued Lagos and Ibadan, also condemned the devastating effect of oil spillage in the Niger Delta, adding, “I earnestly hope and pray that God will assist us all to overcome this challenge as soon as possible. It is also with a heavy heart that I note the worsening spate of natural and environmental disasters in parts of the nation in recent times.

“The number of tragic floods experienced across the country in the last few months has been very unusual, both in intensity and in human and material tolls on our nation. From the devastating floods of Lagos to the most recent and by far the most catastrophic incident in Ibadan; it has been a gale of tears and sorrow”.

“Let me reiterate, that the degree of abuse and environmental degradation as evidenced in the recent report on the impacts of man-made disasters orchestrated by oil exploration interests in Ogoniland is condemnable.

“As an institution, this Senate will continue to provide all the requisite legislative frameworks that will fully support every concerted effort towards addressing the human factors that have worsened our environmental challenges. Importantly, I expect our Standing Committee on Environment, when constituted, to be up and doing in working with all stakeholders to preserve our environment, life and property.”