ABUJA – The President of the Senate has assured Nigerians that the 9th Senate will not pass the Hate Speech Bill until the bill has gone through proper and extensive public hearing.

He made this known during a press briefing organised by His office.

The Senate President noted that the 9th Senate is committed to working for the betterment of Nigeria and its Citizens, that under no conditions will it do anything that will hurt the citizens of this great nation.

He also mentioned that the Hate Speech Bill has also helped to enliven Nigerians’ take on the democratic process.

The Hate Speech Bill was presented by senator Abdullahi Sabi, the senate majority chief whip.

Recall that the 9th Senate since inauguration in June 2019, has passed about 6 Bills, 4 belonging to the lawmakers and 2 belonging to the executive.

The Senate President also noted that about 185 Bills has gone through the first reading, while 32 passed through the second reading.

Lawan also pointed out that the Petroleum Industry Bill, Electoral Reform Bill and the amendment of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution will be among the first bill to be considered as soon as the senate return from the Christmas break in January, 2020.

According to him, the passage of the PIB Bill is necessary as it will attract more investors into the country especially with the improvement of the PSC which will give added revenue to the country.

The Petroleum Industry Bill was first introduced in the National Assembly in 2007 but is yet to be passed in its entirety.

On the electoral reform, the senate President promised that the reform will help in the avoidance of some of the pit falls experience during elections.

Lawan also pointed out that the senate received about 78 public petitions from private citizens out of which 9 has been examined, investigated and concluded.

In all, “we want to assure Nigerians’ that the 9th Senate is here to work for Nigerians’ and the betterment of Nigeria”, Ahmad said.