Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Thursday, February 10th, 2022
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, February 9th, 2022.
PETITIONS
1. Rep. Haruna Dederi laid a petition on behalf of Hajiya Hawua against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory on the refusal to attend to the allocation of her land after several correspondences. She craved the intervention of the House to intervene on the matter considering the various due legal correspondences.
2. Rep. Abubakar Faggo Kani laid 2 separate petitions from 2 individuals on the same subject matter against the Nigerian Army on their being unjustly dismissed from military service. They also craved the intervention of the House in resolving their issues.
The petitions were referred to the House committee on public petitions.
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the importation, procurement, release and sale of adulterated fuel into the country considering its devastating effects on Nigerians and it was seconded by Rep. Taiwo Oluga. Rep. Monguno sadly acknowledged the fact that Nigeria, being a major producer of crude oil is economically petroleum-dependent. Sadder still, the nation has had to outsource the procurement of petroleum products for use by its citizens. Rep. Monguno further expressed disappointment at how those saddled with the importation of PMS would bring in adulterated products for use by Nigerians. He decried the harmful effect and damage that the adulterated petroleum products has had on Nigerian motorists. He further frowned at the lingering fuel scarcity that affects the manpower and productivity hours of Nigerians that should be otherwise usefully engaged at work, but have to now undergo the burden of spending long hours in queues at petrol stations. Rep. Monguno further called for the accelerated rehabilitation of all refineries in Nigeria, to ensure such embarrassment does not reoccur. He called on the House committee on petroleum resources (downstream) to investigate the matter and ensure the culprits are brought to book.
Rep. Abdulraheem Olajide called for a full-scale investigation to ascertain the full culpability of all involved parties and ensure adequate prosecution.
Rep. Abubakar Nalaraba expressed surprise that even when the country pays so much on petroleum subsidy, and yet the petroleum products imported will still be adulterated. He called for a full prosecution on all erring parties as this is nothing short of economic sabotage.
Rep. Haruna Mshelia in speaking to the motion called for the consideration of innocent Nigerians who have fallen victims to the consequences of using the adulterated fuel. He called for them to be considered in the investigation for adequate compensation.
Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka called for the adoption of the full weight of the law in punishing the erring parties no matter how highly placed they may be. He highlighted that had the adulterated fuel been aviation fuel; then the consequences on aircrafts could only have been imagined. He also called for a sanctioning of the originating country where the fuel was procured from.
Rep. Magaji Dau’ Aliyu expressed extreme sadness at the obvious high level of compromise on safety standards of imported materials. This he stated is dire to the safety and economy of Nigerians. He called for a competent investigation to redress the issue.
Rep. Taiwo Oluga proposed to clarify that it is no more investigative or speculation as the NNPC have acknowledged the situation. She called on the House to summon the leadership of the NNPC to come on the floor of the House and explain to Nigerians why such exportation of crude and importation of the adulterated fuel could be possible. Rep. Oluga stressed the fact that if proper sanctions are not taken, someday it could be food being discussed, then it would be poisonous and life-threatening to Nigerians.
Rep. Tajideen Yusuf bemoaned the fact that the adulterated fuel passed all checkpoints, this he stated showed that the compromise was intentionally done for personal gains. He expressed grief at the transporters who use these means to feed their families and are suffering as a result of government-system failure. Rep. Yusuf called for a deliberate effort to show Nigerians that the House is ready and able to fight for their rights as their true representatives.
Rep. Chinedu Ogah called for the proper and accurate tracking of all erring parties from the country of refining, shipping, procurement, certification, distribution and sales of the adulterated products for proper prosecution and punishment.
Rep. Abdulganiyu Johnson called for proper implementation of the laws for the ease of doing business, as the way it is being applied does not allow regulatory bodies to effectively monitor the inflow of products, and this has led to the calamity we face now.
Rep. Onofiok Luke called for a decisive decision by the House to ensure erring parties are held accountable so that Nigerians can know they have a voice in governance. He also called for the sanctioning of the regulatory agencies as the NNPC has already acknowledged sabotage. Rep. Luke further called for the rehabilitation of existing refineries and the establishment and licensing of modular refineries to aid in refining crude oil for use by Nigerians.
The deputy speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase reminded members that the motion before the House is still speculative as it has not been duly investigated by the House. Until then, he stated that members should ensure no one is seen to be guilty before the investigation of the House and pronouncement is made.
Rep. Abubakar Fulata called for a thorough re-investigation of all culpable parties and ensure the punishment serves as a strong deterrent to future would-be saboteurs.
Rep. Toby Okechukwu expressed disappointment as the parliament seems to have become overpowered by agencies they should oversight such as the NNPC. He refused to see how an agency of the Executive can seem more powerful than Parliament which is a different Arm of Government. He outlined the functions of the NNPC in ensuring a vibrant and economically gainful petroleum sector which have been truncated to the disenfranchisement of Nigerians. Rep. Okechukwu called for the unravelling and demystifying of the NNPC for true transparency and accountability.
Rep. Ajibola Muraina in supporting the motion called for an amendment to the prayers for the committee to also ascertain whether the Nigerian specifications of the product conforms with international standard and to find out the roles played by the NNPC, Standard Organization of Nigeria, Directorate of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Customs and other relevant public and private organizations in the procurement of the said product.
Rep. Abubakar Yalleman proposed an amendment that direct the NNPC to immediately suspend all the companies liable for importing the adulterated fuel and submit their names to the House committee on petroleum downstream for further investigation.
Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka proposed an amendment to extend the scope of the investigation to ascertain the quality control of all relevant products, not just petroleum products. The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
2. Rep. Benjamin Kalu moved a motion on the need to address the adverse health and safety concerns of oil leakages and explosions in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Olumide Osoba. Rep. Kalu lamented the wanton loss of lives and petroleum resources, as well as damages that lead to environmental degradation, water pollution, compromise of the ecosystem due to these reoccurring leakages and explosions. He queried the fact that findings and different sounds of alarm by the National Assembly and other concerned bodies seem to continue falling on deaf ears of the relevant regulatory agencies. He called on the House committees on safety standards and that on petroleum upstream to investigate the processes and its loopholes to forestall any further mishaps. Rep. Kalu also called on the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and the National Emergency Management Agency to ensure victims of the various disasters are duly aided.
Rep. Abiante proposed an amendment to include the House Committee on Maritime safety and education in the investigation.
Rep. Chudi Momah also proposed an amendment to include the House committee on gas resources in the investigation.
Rep. Olumide Osoba further proposed an amendment to add the House committee on host communities to the investigation. The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Committee on Ecological Fund:
Rep. Ibrahim A. Isiaka:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Ecological Fund on a Bill for an Act to Establish the Regulation of Ecological Funds, to Address Nigeria’s Ecological Challenges particularly Erosion, Landslide, Desertification, Floods, Oil Spillage, Draught, etc; and for Related Matters (HB. 739) (Referred: 1/7/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka and seconded by Rep. Abdullahi Halims.
2. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO):
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO) against the National Population Commission on the exclusion of Customary Land Owners who are presently Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the Legitimization of Forceful Occupation, Seizure of Homes and Lands in Barkin Ladi/Riyom” (Referred: 11/5/2021).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Haruna Dederi.
3.Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the Petition by Coalition of Parents of Foreign-Trained Medical Doctors:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Coalition of Parents of Foreign-Trained Medical Doctors that sat for Assessment Examination conducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) held on 24-25 November 2021 at the Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto” (Referred: 7/12/2021).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Haruna Dederi.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. Consolidation of Bills:
(a) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 to Prohibit the Discrimination against Widows and all forms of Repressive and Degrading Widowhood Practices; and for Related Matters (HB. 1804) (Rep. Adejero Adeogun); and
(b) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 to make Provision for the Definition of the Offence of Image-based Sexual Abuse under the Act and make Provision for Penalty for Offence of Image-based Sexual Abuse; and for Related Matters (HB. 1804) (Rep. Sergius Ogun).
Debate
Rep. Abubakar Fulata moved for the consolidation of the 2 Bills and it was seconded by Rep. Yusuf Buba Yakub. The Bill was voted on, approved for consolidation and the House committee on rules and business was asked to schedule a date for the debate of the general principle of the Bill.
2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende, Abia State to make Comprehensive Provisions for Its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 1550) (Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Benjamin Kalu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Akin Alabi. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on health institutions.
3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Road Safety Commission Inspectorate Training School as a Higher National Diploma Awarding Institution to Provide Academic and Professional Training; and for Related Matters (HB. 1621) (Rep. Akinfolarin Mayowa Samuel) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Akinfolarin Samuel moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Kunle. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission.
4. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Patents and Designs Act, Cap. P2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Patents and Designs Bill to Provide for the Protection of Inventions; and for Related Matters (HB. 1304) (Rep. Oluga Taiwo) – Second Reading.
Second reading of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House
5. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Animal Husbandry, Kaoje, Kebbi State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1750) – (Rep. Bello A. Kaoje) Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Bello Kaoje moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Ahmed Yusuf. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on agricultural colleges and institutions.
6. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to make Provisions for Inclusion of Women, Youth and Persons Living with Disabilities in Political Appointments at the Federal and State Levels; and for Related Matters (HB. 827) (Rep. Kabir Ibrahim Tukura and 2 Others) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Kabir Tukura moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Mukhtar Ladan. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the special Ad-Hoc committee on the review of the constitution.
7. A Bill for an Act to Provide Legal Framework for Establishment of National Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Studies, Abak, Akwa Ibom State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1648) (Rep. Aniekan Umanah) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Aniekan Umanah moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Nkole Ndukwe. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on information technology.
MOTIONS
8. Urgent Need to Extend Railway Train Services to Mallam Madori/Kaugama Federal Constituency of Jigawa State:
Rep. Abubakar Makki Yalleman:
The House:
Notes that the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, in particular, are responsible for overseeing and administering all matters related to railway transport;
Also notes that the Federal Government has performed meritoriously in the area of railway transport by acquiring new and faster trains, building new rails and more modern train service stations;
Further notes that Mallam Madori/Kaugama Federal Constituency is one of the locations with rail lines, which lead to Kano State and other areas, thus its economic importance cannot be overemphasized as it has been a major route for trade and supply of goods to and from Jigawa State;
Concerned that despite being a major route for transportation of goods and services, the rail system in the area is almost non-existent as, sometimes, the train passes only once in a week, preventing the people from fully engaging in economic activities;
Cognizant of the need to include Mallam Madori/Kaugama Federal Constituency in the Federal Government’s Standard Gauge Railway and improve the rail transport system in the area;
Worried that being an agrarian community, the Constituency lacks a viable means for farmers to transport their agricultural produce to markets within and outside Jigawa State;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to include Mallam Madori/Kaugama Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the National Gauge Railway and restore train services in the area;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Land Transport to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Abubakar Yalleman moved the motion on the urgent need to extend train services to Mallam Madori/Kaugama federal constituency of Jigawa state and it was seconded by Rep. Munir Dan-Agundi. The motion was voted on and adopted.
9. Need to Eradicate the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria:
Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson:
The House:
Notes that in 2003, the United Nations while observing the need to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation, declared February 6 annually as an International Day for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation;
Also notes that the move was designed to create global awareness on the dangers of female genital mutilation and drum support for the protection of the physical and mental health of women and girls;
Aware that female genital mutilation comprises of all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and it is recognized internationally as a violation of the rights and health of women and girls;
Cognizant of the dangers which the unwholesome practice portends for the health and wellbeing of women and girls, ranging from urinary tract infections, infertility, hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases;
Further notes that female genital mutilation is an act of violence against women and girls and amounts to a violation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015;
Worried that about 20 million girls and women in Nigeria and 20% of Nigerian women aged between 15 to 49 years are reported to have undergone female genital mutilation in Nigeria;
Cognizant that the United Nations Report published in 2020, reported that Nigeria ranked the third-highest number in cases of female genital mutilation in the world;
Resolves to:
(i) commemorate the 2022 International Day of Female Genital Mutilation with the theme; Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation;
(ii) urge on the Minister of Women Affairs and the National Orientation Agency to organize nation-wide sensitization programmes discouraging the practice of female genital mutilation;
(iii) mandate the Committees on Women Affairs and Social Development, Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Abdulganiyu Johnson moved the motion on the need to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Zakari Galadima.
The deputy speaker, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase advised Rep. Abdulganiyu Johnson to come up with a Bill on the subject matter in order to make it a law if indeed he intends to cure the scourge of female gender mutilation in Nigeria. The motion was voted on and adopted.
10. Need to Establish a Police Division in Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Rep. Mukhtar Shehu Ladan:
The House:
Notes that several communities across Kudan Local Government Area are under severe attacks by Bandits (Terrorists) resulting in loss of lives and properties;
Also notes that in the last few months, most communities in Kudan Local Government Area cannot comfortably go to the farm as Bandits frequently kill provocatively;
Concerned that the killings have continued despite efforts by the Federal and States Government to curtail the situation;
Alarmed at the constant invasion of the communities by Bandits who maim, kidnap, brutalize and kill their victims, hence the ferocious dimensions has turned Indigenes and residents to destitute in their ancestral homes;
Disturbed that the unknown gunmen heavily armed with rifles and other dangerous weapons launched an attack on unsuspicious victims while sleeping at night;
Worried that some of the villages in Sabon Gari, Hunkuyi, Likoro and Kudan are presently living in perpetual fear of being attacked by bandits;
Cognizant that if the nefarious acts by the bandits are not checked, it will paralyze commerce and trade activities in the Local Government Area;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to urgently intervene and direct adequate deployment of security personnel in the affected communities for the protection of lives and property, fish out the perpetrators and their sponsors and prosecute them accordingly;
(ii) also urge the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to rehabilitate the abandoned Police Divisional Office in Kudan town;
(iii) mandate the Committee on Police Affairs to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Mukhtar Ladan moved the motion on the urgent need to establish a police division in Kudan local government area of Kaduna state and it was seconded by Rep. Shehu Balarabe. The motion was voted on and adopted.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presiding:
11. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Education, Ankpa to take over the Assets and Liabilities, Including Staff of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa to, Provide for Training and Teaching Instruction in Every Aspect of Education and such other Fields of Applied Learning Relevant to the Needs of the Development of Education in Nigeria, Matters of Administration and Discipline of Students; and for Related Matters (HB.1344) (Senate) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole: 14/7/2021.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Mohammed Monguno stated that the Bill emanated from the Senate seeking to upgrade the College of education, Ankpa to the status of a Federal University for the educational benefit of Nigerians living in the region and urged members to support its due approval.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-31
12. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Agricultural Development Fund for the Purpose of Providing Funding for Agricultural Development in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1319) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole: 92/2022.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Mohammed Monguno stated that the Bill is a recommittal from the House seeking to create an agricultural development fund to boost agricultural development in recognizance of the vital role agriculture plays in national development and considering the paucity of funds at the current time. He craved the indulgence of members for its approval.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1, 2, 4-8, 10-25, 27
Clauses amended and approved: 3, 9, 26
13. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education, Birniwa, Jigawa State to Provide full-time Courses, Teaching, Instructions and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 383) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole: 92/2022.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Peter Akpatason stated that the Bill is an establishment Bill that seeks to upgrade course research, knowledge-impartation and study for learning for Nigerian students in the region.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 2-23
Clause amended and approved: 1
14. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Area Courts Act, 2010 and Enact the Federal Capital Territory Abuja Area Courts Bill to, among other things, Expand the Jurisdiction of the Area Courts to entertain both Civil and Criminal Matters; and for Related Matters (HB. 67) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole:
92/2022.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Peter Akpatason stated that the Bill seeks to simply expand the jurisdiction of the Area Courts, this is in order to reduce the burden on the Justice-delivery system as well as to ensure speedy dispensation of justice by the Judiciary for Nigerians and people living in Nigeria.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-54
15. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:
Rep. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunneochi, Abia State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 724) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 1/7/2020).
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House
16. Committee on Foreign Affairs:
Rep. Yusuf Buba Yakub.
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs Act, Cap. N113, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs Bill to Broaden the Scope and Functions of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, add more value to Foreign Missions and provide for the power to Conduct Courses of Instruction and Learning and Create an Academic Board to Award Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD) and Master’s Degrees in International Relations, Diplomatic Practices; and for Related Matters (HB.1279) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 16/12/2021).
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Yusuf Buba Yakub stated that the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs was established long ago and since it was established; the Act has never been amended and hence has become obsolete in line with global best practices. This he stated is also why Nigerian missions are in neglect and disrepair, and the personnel don’t get the due reorientation compliant with the ever-changing scenarios in international travel, security, policies etc. The Bill, therefore, seeks to repackage the Institute and ensure it can execute due research and advice on strategic international policies to ensure the nation is placed in the right line to have a greater influence in global political and security matters and associations.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-38
17. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1325) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 1/2/2022).
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House
18. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Paschal Obi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Amagu Ikwo, Ebonyi State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1326) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 1/2/2022).
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House
HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the committee of the whole following a motion by the deputy leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Rep. Jimoh Olajide.
Adjournment:
The House at 14:33 pm adjourned plenary till Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 by 11:00 am following a motion for adjournment moved by the deputy leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by the chief whip, Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
Source:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
Follow our FACEBOOK PAGE for latest updates. Use the share buttons above and below the post to share with friends on Social Media.
Related
Source link
