The Nigerian Senate has postponed the passage of the 2019 Appropriation Bill till Tuesday next week.

The budget was billed for consideration on Wednesday but the lawmakers have resolved to shift the third reading of the bill because details of the estimates are not available.

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, ruled that copies of the details be made available to lawmakers by Monday, ahead of the passage of the budget on Tuesday.

The Senate however passed the Federal Capital Territory FCT Health Insurance Agency (Establishment, etc) Bill, 2019 (SB. 668).

Reacting to the development during Wednesday’s plenary, Deputy Senate President, Ile Ekweremadu, appreciated the effort of the lawmaker representing FCT, Philip Aduda, for the passage of the Bill.

He said: “I congratulate Senator Philip Aduda and the members of the Committee for ensuring the passage of this Bill. It is important for us to ensure that we have quality healthcare for our people.

“We have served that purpose today and I would like to thank everyone for ensuring that this Bill was passed today so that going forward, we can ensure that we implement this Bill to provide quality healthcare to the residents of the FCT.”

Also today, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Ms Omolola Edewor as Executive Director, Corporate Services, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

This followed presentation of the report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions by the Chairman, Sen. Rafiu Adebayo, during plenary.

While presenting the report, Adebayo said the nominee, who is currently occupying same position, was screened and found worthy of being confirmed for a second and final term of five years.

He said the Senate at its sitting on April 9, referred the request for her nomination to the committee for screening.

According to the lawmaker, “The committee held the screening and we went through her curriculum vitae, security clearance form and code of conduct bureau details.

“She hails from Ogun State and she will be in charge of the administrative running of the organisation.

“The committee also found out that the nominee has no petition against her and she is qualified to hold the position for another term. So, we recommend that she be confirmed.

In his remarks, Senate President Bukola Saraki put the confirmation to a voice vote and it was adopted by the lawmakers.

Meanwhile, President Buhari had written the Senate, seeking Edewor’s confirmation in accordance with provisions of 5(4) of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation Act.

Ms Abiola Edewo is the first daughter of the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, Moshood Abiola.

She is also a former member of the House of Representatives.

With the confirmation, Edewor will be serving her second term and final term of five years as executive director.

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