Senate passes 46bills in 10minutes.

The Senate on Wednesday passed 46 bills into law within 10 minutes.

The bills were earlier passed by the House of Representatives in the outgoing
Seventh Assembly.

The bills were introduced by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and
Business, Senator Ita Enang.

The development generated arguments and side talk but the Senate President,
David Mark, had his way when he called for a voice vote, and ruled in favour of
those in support of the passage.

Mark asked those who were not satisfied with the passage of the bills to raise
objections in writing at plenary on Thursday.

The Senate had earlier suspended Order 79 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders,
creating the impression that all the Bills had passed first, second and third
readings on the floor of the Senate and concur to same.

Meanwhile, Mark has said the Senate will continue further deliberations on the
controversial Fourth Alteration Bill, which seeks to further amend the 1999
Constitution, on Thursday.

He also added that the valedictory session to formally close the Seventh
Senate would also be held on Thursday.