Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Tuesday, January 25th, 2022
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presided.
After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Thursday, January 20th, 2022
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. The membership of the Conference Committee on Maritime Law was announced and it is to be chaired by Rep. Yusuf Gagdi
2. The House of Representatives and the Senate have decided to come to a common ground on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill so that there will be no need for a Conference Committee.
PETITION
2. Rep. Samuel Odagboyi (Benue state) laid a petition from a complaint on the need for the House to investigate the extrajudicial killing of an individual. He urged the House to spare no resource in resolving the issues for justice to be done.
The petition was referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.
MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Aishattu Dukku moved a motion calling on the Nigeria Police to dismantle the checkpoint on Ashiru junction, a busy road linking Gombe and Bauchi States in the Dukku area of Gombe State and it was seconded by Rep. Mansur Soro.
Rep. Dukku in leading the debate stated that the checkpoint has become a source for collecting bribes by officers of the Police. She stated that the refusal of a tanker driver to comply with the extortion led to him being shot by the police. This she stated led to a large protest by the masses which led to the breakdown of peace of residents in the area and hindered the movement of commuters on the road for quite a while. She called on the police to immediately disband the said checkpoint as a matter of urgency, and for the restoration of peace to the region.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. National Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (NMPDSR) Bill, 2022 (HB.1812) (Senate) – First Reading.
2. Nursing and Midwifery Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1813) (Senate) – First Reading.
3. Federal University of Sports, Nkalagu (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1814) (Senate) – First Reading.
4. National Burns and Rehabilitation Center, Ilaro, (Establishment) Ogun State Bill, 2022 (HB. 1815) (Senate) – First Reading
5. Federal College of Forestry, Wawa Zange, Dukku, Gombe State (Establishment etc.) (HB. 1816) (Senate) – First Reading.
6. Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1817) (Rep. Femi Fakeye, Rep. Solomon Bulus Maren & 20 Others) – First Reading.
7. Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1818) (Rep. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa) – First Reading.
8. Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1819) (Rep. Solomon T. Bob) – First Reading.
9. Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1801) (Rep. Francis Ejiroghene Waive) – First Reading.
10. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1809) (Rep. Francis Ejiroghene Waive) – First Reading.
11. Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (HB.1820) (Rep. Munir B Dan Agundi) – First Reading.
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Committee on Science and Technology:
Rep. Beni Lar:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on a Bill for an Act to Establish National Institute of Oil and Gas Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies, Egbema, Imo State and to make Comprehensive Provisions for Its Due Management and Administration, Provide for Detailed Identification of Areas in Oil and Gas Technology and Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurial Studies; and for Related Matters (HB.1212) (Referred: 6/7/2021).
Laying of report stepped down by leave of the House
2. Committee on Science and Technology:
Rep. Beni Lar:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on a Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Computer Forensics of Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.1491) (Referred: 22/9/2021).
Laying of report stepped down by leave of the House
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of National Institute for Border Studies, Imeko, Ogun State, to Provide for Teaching, Research, Instruction and Training of Students in Border Management; and for Related Matters (HB.1467) (Senate) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.
The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
2. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Act, 2003 and Enact the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Bill to Provide for the Regulation of Meteorology; and for Related Matters (HBs. 19 and 464) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.
The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
3. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Act, Cap. N96, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Bill to Provide for its Organisation, Council and Operations; and for Related Matters (HB. 463) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.
The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
4. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Owutu Edda, Ebonyi State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1647) (Senate) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Peter Akpatason.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
5. A Bill for an Act to Establish Abuja Environmental Protection Board for the Protection, Regulation, Management, Monitoring and Control of all forms of Environmental Degradation and Enforcement of Standards and Guidelines on Prohibition of Pollution and Promotion of Cooperation on Environmental Science and Technologies in the Federal Capital Territory; and for Related Matters (HB. 1768) (Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Rep. Jimoh Abdulraheem Olajide) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Dolapo Badru.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Capital Territory.
6. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Road Safety Commission Academy as a Degree–Awarding Institution to provide Academic and Professional Training; and for Related Matters (HB. 1622) (Rep. Akinfolarin Mayowa Samuel) – Second Reading.
Bill stepped down by leave of the House.
MOTIONS
7. Call to Investigate the Murder of Mrs Monica Okwuibe and Mrs Nkiruka Anyaegbunam and attempted murder of Mrs Chidinma Benita Anyaegbunam:
Rep. Nnolim Nnaji:
The House:
Notes that on 6 January 2022 Mrs Monica Okwuibe and Mrs Nkiruka Anyaegbunam were murdered, and attempted murder was committed on Mrs Chidinma Benita Anyaegbunam (Nee Okwuibe) all from Edumegu, Okorouba–Ozalla autonomous community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State;
Also notes that the acts were committed at Obosi in Anambra State on the day that Mrs Chldinma Anyaegbunam was conducting the burial ceremony of her late husband, Mr Onyedika Jeremiah Anyaegbunam, who died on 6 December 2021;
Further notes that at about 6:00 pm, on the said date three masked gunmen forcefully entered the compound of the bereaved Anyaegbunam family in Obosi and shot sporadically, scaring away mourners with the intent of locating Mrs Chidinma Benita Anyaegbunam who ran for safety;
Alarmed that the assailants searched for Mrs Chidinma and threatened to kill her or confess what happened to their late brother Mr Onyedika, to which she pleaded for her life to be spared or be made to swear an oath, but was shot severally leaving her in critical condition of which she is currently in intensive care unit under life support at the hospital;
Also alarmed that Mrs Monica Okwuibe (Mother of Mrs Chidinma) was shot to death instantly, while Mrs Nkiruka Anyaegbunam (Mrs Chidinma’s sister-inlaw, who accommodated her during her ordeal with her late husband’s family members), was equally shot to death;
Aware that the suspects who perpetrated the heinous crime and unlawful act against humanity, are brothers–in–law to Mrs Chidinma with unidentified accomplices, who had nurtured their plans since the death of Mr Onyedika forcefully took away his house and other properties from the young widow under false allegations;
Also aware that two of the suspects are presently in police custody at the State CID Awka, Anambra State, but one key suspect is still at large with no cogent information to the public;
Further worried that the deteriorating health condition of Mrs Chidinma who is recuperating from the varying degrees of injuries sustained from the multiple bullet wounds in her stomach has left concerned Nigerians apprehensive of her survival and thus requires urgent attention in a more equipped medical facility;
Concerned that the unlawful acts occur mostly in the southern part of the country despite the protective rights of widows in the society;
Cognizant of the need to condemn these odious acts where widows are subjected to illicit, unpleasant states of livelihood and deprivations at the death of their husbands in a bid to confiscate their properties;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Inspector–General of Police to take over the case from Anambra State CID, Awka for further investigation and place the only surviving victim at the hospital under police protection
(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian, Disaster and Social Development, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Human Rights Commission to assist Mrs Chidinma Benita Anyaegbunam in physical, mental (psychological) and economic recovery, including compensation plan for the only surviving victim and the deceased families;
(iii) mandate the Committees on Police Affairs, Women Affairs and Human Rights to appropriately monitor the case and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action;
(iv) also mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Nnoli Nnaji moved the motion on a call to investigate the murder of Mrs Monica Okwuibe and Mrs Nkiruka Anyaegbunam and the attempted murder of Mrs Chidinma Benita Anyaegbunam and it was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Rep. Obinna Chidoka thanked Rep. Nnaji for bringing up the motion and expressed deep sadness at the act of criminality that occurred in his hometown (Obosi). He expressed joy that two of the culprits have been arrested and enjoined the Police to ensure the apprehension of the third suspect. He stressed that the town of Obosi where it occurred is otherwise peaceful and wondered why the incident got this gruesome.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
The Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved a motion for the House to suspend its relevant rules so that it can take on another relevant clause of the Electoral Act amendment Bill other than the specific portion that made the president refuse to assent to the Bill and for the Speaker to preside over the Committee of the Whole. It was seconded by Rep. Nasir Ali-Ahmed.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
8. Recession of Clause 84 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 981).
Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata:
The House:
Notes that on Wednesday 19, January 2022, Report on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act No. 6, 2010 and Enact the Electoral Act 2021, to Regulate the Conduct of Elections in the Federal, State and Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory; and for Related Matters was adopted and passed on Thursday 20 January 2022;
Also notes that the House adopted the mode of the procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for various elective positions by direct or indirect primaries;
Aware of the need to introduce another mode of nomination of candidates through consensus.
Resolves to:
Rescind its decision on clauses 84 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and recommit Clause 84 of the Bill to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration in accordance with Order 12, Rule 20 (1-3) of the Standing Orders of the House.
Debate
Rep. Abubakar Fulata moved the motion for the House to rescind its earlier decision on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abdullahi Halims.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
9. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act No. 6, 2010 and Enact the Electoral Act 2021, to Regulate the Conduct of Elections in the Federal, State and Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory; and for Related Matters (HB. 981) – Committee of the Whole:25/1/2022.
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa stated that the exercise was to ensure the House and the Senate be on the same page for the speedy passage of the Electoral Act, this is to provide a concrete legislative framework in good time to ensure the conduct of credible elections, in the interest of Nigerians.
Summary of voting:
Clause voted on and approved: 84(1-13)
HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by the leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa.
BILL
10. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act No. 6, 2010 and Enact the Electoral Act 2021, to Regulate the Conduct of Elections in the Federal, State and Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory; and for Related Matters- Third reading
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill. The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
The House adopted the votes and proceedings of the day following a motion moved by the Leader of the House.
Adjournment:
The House at 13:52 adjourned plenary till Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by the Minority Leader, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.
Source:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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