With lightening speed, the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act amendment act on Thursday passed the second reading on the floor of the Senate, during a plenary session presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

The debate, which ended with no dissenter, was followed by its transfer to the Senate Committee on Judiciary to report back to the Senate in two weeks.

The bill, which only passed first reading immediately the Senate resumed its legislative activities on Tuesday, has left observers wondering about the haste to amend the Act as it was only introduced on Tuesday.

Speaking in support of the bill, Senator Barau Jibrin of Kano North said: “We need to shape our laws in a way that we can have fairness in our judicial system.”

Senator Biodun Olujimi of Ekiti South explained with an adage in Yoruba that says “if you don’t assist your neighbour when his house is burning, it will extend to yours”, adding: “For this reason, I support the bill.”

Senator representing Delta North Senatorial Constituency, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who led the debate, had earlier spoken extensively on it and pledged his support.

Speaking on the bill, Ekweremadu emphasised that it has nothing to do with the Senate President Bukola Saraki’s on-going case at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged false declaration of assets.

“The Senate supports the CCB and the CCT and we encourage them to keep doing their job,” Ekweremadu said.

•Photo shows the Senate in session.