Senate reverses amendments to standing orders

 
The Senate on Wednesday moved to reverse and recommit two key legislative decisions, citing the need for constitutional consistency and technical refinement.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, sponsored motions to rescind amendments made to Order 2(2) and Order 3(1) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023, as amended during the chamber’s sitting on 5 May 2026.

The Senate observed that further constitutional review showed the provisions could create inconsistencies with Section 52 of the 1999 Constitution and disrupt established parliamentary conventions.

The lawmakers noted that the Senate retains the inherent authority to revisit and rescind any decision in order to preserve the integrity of its proceedings and legislative framework.

Accordingly, the chamber resolved to rescind its earlier decision on the two orders and recommit them for reconsideration to ensure alignment with constitutional provisions.

In a related development, the Senate also rescinded its earlier passage of the National Identity Management Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2026.

The bill, which had been transmitted to the President for assent, was found to contain drafting and substantive issues following a post-passage review by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Identified concerns include the need to clarify the scope of the Long Title, define the qualifications and responsibilities of commissioners under Clause 4, and correct Clause 5 on the determination of staff conditions of service subject to board approval.

The review also flagged Clauses 35 to 40 for redrafting to assert the legal supremacy of the Act on identity registration and database management while ensuring harmony with existing laws.

A technical committee comprising senators, House members and legal drafting experts has since recommended specific amendments.

The Senate, relying on Orders 1(b) and 52(6) of its Standing Orders, resolved to recommit the bill to the Committee of the Whole for comprehensive reconsideration before final passage.