Senate Halts Consideration of Electricity Tariff Hike
During a recent session, the Nigerian Senate decided to suspend discussions on a report from a committee that was investigating a potential increase in electricity tariffs. This decision came after a debate among members of the Senate committee on power regarding the proposed hike by distribution companies.
Some lawmakers expressed opposing views on whether or not to continue deliberations on the report, but ultimately it was decided that the matter is currently being looked at by the courts and should not be discussed further to avoid any influence on the ongoing legal process.
Chairman of Rules and Business, Senator Titus Tartenger, pointed out Order 52 of the Senate’s standing rules which prohibits lawmakers from discussing any issue that is before a court of law. This argument was supported by Senator Jimoh Ibrahi and ultimately led to the suspension of further considerations on the committee report.
Despite differing opinions among senators, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, overruled the decision to continue discussions on the report.
The case regarding the electricity tariff increase is currently before a Federal High Court in Kano, and the Senate’s decision to suspend further deliberations is in order to avoid any prejudicing of the legal process.
