Nigeria National Assembly Tuesday: Motions, Bills, Votes
When the death of a two-year-old killed by stray bullets by officers of the NDLEA, the House of Representatives knew they were on thin ice.
Plenary Proceedings of the House of Representatives for Tuesday, July 18th, 2023.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the National Pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, July 13th, 2023
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- A reminder of the request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the sum of $800 Million: An Ad-Hoc committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management has been constituted and it’s made up of the Leadership of the House to be Chaired by the Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere for speedy dispensation of the job to be done.
- The Ad-Hoc committee on Internal Security are to meet at Meeting Room 414 by 3:00 PM.
- The Ad-Hoc committee on the JAMB investigation are to meet by 3:30 PM at Suite 1.03
- Honorable members having issues with their Zonal Intervention Projects should endeavor to see the Minority Whip at Office suite 4.15 between 18th-20th July.
PETITIONS:
- Hon. Kelechi Nwogu laid a petition on behalf of a complaint against Officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on the killing of the complainant’s 2 year old son and serious injuries to his second son.
- Hon. Akin Rotimi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant who are legal representatives of military officers who complained that despite the abolition of the Bsc./HND dichotomy, the military officers are still subjected to bias treatment in respect to promotion exercises.
The petitions were all referred to the House committee on Public Petitions when constituted.
MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:
- Hon. Adamu Tanko moved a motion on the urgent need to contain the outbreak of anthrax first discovered at a farm in Suleja, Niger State, and it was seconded by Hon. Bashir Umar.
Hon. Tanko in leading the debate expressed concern on the dangerous harm anthrax causes to human beings and the speed at which it spreads among humans. He acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture as well as that of the Niger state government on the efforts at containing the outbreak.
Hon. Tanko however called on the National Center for Disease Control and the House committee on Agriculture College and Services, as well as that on Legislative Compliance when constituted to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Health Services when constituted.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
- Ecological Fund Management Board (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 108) (Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga) – First Reading.
- National Metallurgical Training Institute, Sagamu, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. HB.109) (Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga) – First Reading.
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999)(Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB. HB.110) (Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga) – First Reading.
- Federal University of Science and Technology Remo, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill, Remo, Ogun State(HB. 111) (Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga) – First Reading.
- Federal Institute for Diving Technology, Ibeju – Lekki (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 112) (Hon. Adebayo Olusegun Balogun) – First Reading.
- Student Loan (Access to Education) Act (Amendment) 2023 (HB. 113) (Hon. Bashiru Usman Gorau) – First Reading.
- Niger Delta Institute of Technology and Skill Acquisition (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 114) (Hon. Dumnamene Dekor) – First Reading.
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) (Alteration) Bill, 2023(HB. 115) (Hon. Muktar Shagaya) – First Reading.
- Agricultural and Energy Technical Institute, Nasarawa, Eggon, Nasarawa State, (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 116) (Hon. Jeremiah Umaru) – First Reading.
- Federal University of Education Akwanga, Nasarawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 117) (Hon. Jeremiah Umaru) – First Reading.
- National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education Wamba, Nasarawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 118) (Hon. Jeremiah Umaru) – First Reading.
- National Youth Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB. 119) (Hon. Jeremiah Umaru) – First Reading.
- Integrated Agro-industrial Park, Akwanga, Nasarawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 120) (Hon. Jeremiah Umaru) – First Reading.
- North Central Development Commission, (Establishment), Bill, 2023 (HB. 121) (Hon. Jeremiah Umaru) – First Reading.
- Oath Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 122) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
- National Universities Commission Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 123) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
- Nigerian Communications Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 124) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Education, Bende (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 125) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
- Legal Aid Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 126) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
- Michael Okpara University Teaching Hospital (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 127) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
- Michael Okpara University, Umudike (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 128) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
- Statutory Bodies (Annual Reports) Bill, 2023 (HB. 129) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
- Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Protection) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 130) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu)
- Trade and Investment Agreement (Reform and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2023 (HB. 131) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – First Reading.
- Federal University of Oil and Gas Technology, Okpai, Delta State (Establishment) Bill , 2023 (HB. 132) (Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Health Technology, Bakassi, Cross River (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 133) (Hon. Joseph Bassey) – First Reading.
- Federal University of Agriculture, Atomkpe Inamite, Cross Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 134) (Hon. Joseph Bassey) – First Reading.
- Nigeria Arabic Language Village, Borno State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 135) (Hon. Aminu Balele) – First Reading.
- Nigeria French Language, Badagri, Lagos State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 136) (Hon. Aminu Balele) – First Reading.
- Investments and Securities Bill, 2023 (HB. 137) (Hon. Aminu Balele) – First Reading.
- Chartered Institute of Agribusiness of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 138) (Hon. Alli Adeyemi Taofeek) – First Reading.
- Chartered Institute of Business Administration of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 139) (Hon. Alex Egbona) – First Reading.
- Chartered Institute of Digital Forensics of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 140) (Hon. Alex Egbona) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Agriculture, Tsafe, Zamfara State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 141) (Hon. Kabiru Amadu) – First Reading.
- Federal University Teaching Hospital, Gusau, Zamfara State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 142) (Hon. Kabiru Amadu) – First Reading.
- National Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Studies, Somolu, Lagos State (HB. 143) (Hon. Ademorin Kuye) – First Reading.
- Unclaimed Financial Assets Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 144) (Hon. Ademorin Kuye) – First Reading.
- Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 145) (Hon. Tolulope Akande Sadipe) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Agriculture and Forestry Okundi, Cross River (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 146) (Hon. Victor Abang) – First Reading.
- Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account) Bill, 2023 (HB. 147) (Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive) – First Reading.
- Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 148) (Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive) – First Reading.
- Legal Practitioners Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 149) (Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive) – First Reading.
- Prohibit Kidnapping, Hostage taking (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 150) (Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive) – First Reading.
- Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 151) (Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive) – First Reading.
- Compulsory Treatment and care for Victims of Gunshot Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 152) (Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive) – First Reading.
- South East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 153) (Hon. Paschal Agbodike)
- Niger Delta Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 154) (Hon. Paschal Agbodike) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Information, Communication Technology, Osogbo, Osun State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 155) (Hon. Alhassan Rurum) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Information, Communication Technology, Enugu, Enugu State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 156) (Hon. Alhassan Rurum) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Information, Communication Technology, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 157) (Hon. Alhassan Rurum) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Information, Communication Technology, Niger State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 158) (Hon. Alhassan Rurum) – First Reading.
- Federal College of Information, Communication Technology, Bauchi, Bauchi State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 159) (Hon. AlHassan Rurum) – First Reading.
ORDERS OF THE DAY:
MOTIONS:
- Reconsideration of Outstanding Bills from the Preceding Assembly.
Hon. Julius Ihonvere:
(i) Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 99)
(ii) Federal Polytechnic, Nyak-Shendam (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 45);
(iii) Nigeria Police Force college, Training School and Institution (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.46);
(iiii) National Library of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.89);
(v) Nigeria Hunters and forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.90);
(vi) Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023(HB.91);
The House:
Notes that pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 16 of the Standing Orders of the House, Bills passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence for which no concurrence was made or negatived or passed by the Senate and forwarded to the House for which no concurrence was made or negatived or which were passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the Assembly, the House may resolve that such Bill, upon being re-gazetted or clean copies circulated, be re-considered in the Committee of the Whole without being commenced de-novo;
Also notes that the aforementioned Bills were passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the last Assembly;
Aware that the Bills were re-gazetted as HBs. 99, 45, 46, 89, 90 and 91 and read the first time, respectively;
Resolves to:
Commit the Bills to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
Debate:
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere moved the motion on the reconsideration of outstanding Bills from the preceding Assembly and it was seconded by Hon. Hassan Rurum. The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu praised the spirit of the motion in bringing such unfinished business of the preceding Assembly to the floor of the House so that they are not reintroduced as fresh legislation. He urged other Honourable members to toe this line so that precious legislative time is not wasted and to avoid them being unfinished before the tenure of the Assembly. Hon. Babajimi Benson proposed an amendment to a prayer to refer the matter to an Ad-Hoc committee on the next legislative day for speedy execution.
Hon. James Barka, raised a motion on personal explanation that Honourable members who were not in the preceding Assembly should be given a chance to know what they are going to consider, so that they do not act in ignorance.
Hon. Osikama St.Andy stood up on a matter of privilege to clarify that Honourable members were duly served the notice on the request by the President to approve the loan request and it should not look like the House acted in ignorance.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu clarified that the Bills will be regazetted and referred to the Committee of the Whole and Honourables members will have ample time to study and know what they are about before the time to contribute. The motion was voted and adopted.
- Call for Investigation and Prosecution of the Officers involved in Shooting and Killing of Ivan Onose Omhonrina.
Hon. Unyime Idem:
The House:
Notes that on July 13, 2023, a two-years old Ivan Onose Omhonrina, who was returning from school tragically lost his life due to a stray bullet fired by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Asaba, Delta State, his younger brother Eromosele Omhonrina was also shut in one of his eyes;
Also notes that on April 4, 2023, a 17 years old boy, Ibuchim Ofezie, a resident of Agingi Community of Bassa Local Government Area of Jos was killed by some police patrol operatives attached to “C” Division of the Command, similarly on the 28 May 2023, Bakare Idris Demola was shot dead by Mr. Kabiru Odejimi, a Police officer of the Nigerian Police Force in Oregun, Ikeja area, Lagos State;
Worried that innocent Nigerians have been either injured or lost their lives due to stray bullets fired by Law Enforcement Officers in the country;
Concerned that if urgent intervention to proffer a lasting solutions and end this recurring killings of innocent Nigerians by stray bullets are not put in place more citizen will continue to sustain injuries and may led to eventual loss of lives;
Also worried that the reoccurring killings of innocent Nigerians by stray bullets pose significant risks and consequences for individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole, It is therefore important that swift, immediate, and decisive action is taken to address this issue, restore the trust, protect human rights, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians;
Resolves to:
(i) Observe a minute silence for Ivan Onose Omhonrina and other victims, who tragically lost their lives;
(ii) Urge the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take over the investigation and prosecution of the officer(s) involved in the shooting and killing of Ivan Onose Omhonrina, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book;
(iii) Also urge the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and all other law enforcement agencies to provide regular training and sensitization programs for their officers on the appropriate use of firearms, conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and respect for human rights;
(iv) Mandate the Committee on Human Rights (when constituted) to ensure that the family of Onose are adequately compensated for the loss and report back within six (6) weeks; and
(v) Also mandate the Committee on National Security and Intelligence (when constituted) to effectively monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies, including conducting regular evaluations, reviewing incidents, and recommend appropriate actions to prevent similar occurrences and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate:
Hon. Unyime Idem moved the motion on the call for investigation and prosecution of the officers involved in the shooting and killing of Ivan Onose Omhonrina and it was seconded by Hon. Lilian Obiageli.
Hon. Nkwonta Chris proposed an amendment to reduce the working timeframe of the investigation from 6 weeks to 4 weeks and that the House Committee on Internal Security should ensure compliance.
Hon. Ahmed Jaha proposed an amendment to prayer 4 as it looks preemptive to the outcome of the investigation.
Hon. Dachung Bagos proposed an amendment to prayer 2 to accommodate all those killed into the investigation of the matter.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who presided over the session stated that it is important for security and law enforcement agencies to have their active duty personnel wear activated body cameras, as it’s a good global practice for accountability and transparency for law enforcement agents, and will serve as a deterrent for extra judicial killings.
He commended the Lagos state government for putting this measure in practice. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Human Rights, as well as that on National Security when constituted.
- Need to make Provision for free High Blood Pressure and Sugar Level Check Desks at Airports.
Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul:
The House:
Notes that air travel can be physically demanding and stressful for many passengers, these factors, combined with the potential health risks associated with long flights and varying environmental conditions make it essential to prioritize the health of individuals passing through our airports;
Aware that air travel has become increasingly accessible to a larger portion of the population, however, the stress associated with travel, coupled with the sedentary nature of long flights can significantly impact the health of individuals, particularly those with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes;
Also aware that it is of utmost importance to prioritize the health of individuals travelling long through our airports, and this notion alms to ensure their access to essential;
Believes that by establishing Free High Blood Pressure and Sugar Levels Check Desks at all airports, we can promote early detection and preventive care for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Regular monitoring of these vital health parameters will enable travellers to seek medical intervention and prevent potential complications;
Also believes that the provision of these check desks will demonstrate our commitment to public health promotion. It will send a powerful message that we prioritize the well-being of our citizens and visitors by making healthcare services easily accessible regardless of their travel schedules.
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Ministry of Aviation to collaborate with relevant healthcare professionals and organisations to establish and operate High Blood Pressure and Sugar Levels Check Desks at airports across the country;
(ii) Also urge the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to put adequate medical facilities in Nigerian Airports to forestall sudden death from high blood pressure and diabetes among others;
(iii) Further urge the desks to be staffed with trained healthcare personnel who can accurately measure blood pressure and sugar levels, provide basic counselling, and refer individuals to appropriate medical services, if necessary;
(iv) Mandate the Committee on Aviation (when constituted) to ensure compliance..
Debate:
Hon. Kalejaiye Paul moved the motion on the need to make provision for free high blood pressure and sugar level checks at airports and it was seconded by Hon. Ismail Kusada. The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu asked how the project is to be funded. Hon. Paul stated that the seriousness of the issue calls on the Federal Government through the Ministry of Health to fund it to save Nigerians as was done in other cases of disease outbreaks in the past.
Hon. Isa Mohammed proposed an amendment to officially incorporate Federal Ministry of Health as the driver of the proposed project. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Aviation when constituted.
- Need to Decentralize the Authentication/Verification of Qualifying Certificates among the Six Geopolitical Zones.
Hon. Adeyemi Akeem Adeniyi:
The House:
Notes that many of our Country’s young men and young women seek knowledge and better learning in many Educational Institutions outside Nigeria;
Also notes that it is part of the requirements for admitting them to get their qualifying certificates authenticated and verified;
Further notes that it is only the Federal Ministry of Education Headquarters in Ahuja that entertains requests for such authentication;
Worried that because of the centralization of such authentication Applications and Requests in the Federal Ministry of Education Headquarters in Abuja, the process is suffering from congestion and delay;
Further worried that such delay slows down the process of admission and registration for overseas studies when required.
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Education to decentralize the process by allowing one of the State Ministries of Education in each geo-political zone to set up a system with a view to allowing applicants from each zones to direct the application to the Ministry undertaking the assignment in that zone;
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services (when constituted) to ensure compliance.
Debate:
Hon. Adeyemi Adeniyi moved the motion on the need to decentralize the authentication/verification of qualifying certificates among the six geo-political zones and it was seconded by Hon. Regina Akume. Hon. Ahmed Jaha proposed an amendment to ensure that the Ministry of Education decentralizes dedicated officials from each geo-political zone to the Headquarters in Abuja for their individual verification. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.
- Rehabilitation, Expansion and Dualization of Benin–Abraka Road in Edo State.
Hon. Billy Osawaru:
The House:
Notes that the Benin-Abraka Road is a Federal Road linking Benin the Edo State Capital with Abraka a big commercial oil-rich of Delta State;
Also notes that the Benin-Abraka Road started from the King’s Square (Ring Road) through communities of the Premier Oredo Local Government Area and other oil and gas drilling communities like the Obenkobi Oil Field operated by SEPLAT Oil Limited, Egboko, Evborhion and Ugbugo drilled or operated by summit Oil Limited and others under Ikpoba- Okha and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas was constructed years ago and can no longer accommodate the volume of traffic;
Observes that the present dilapidated condition of the road has increased the man hours commuters spend to get to their destination and this has drastically increased carnage on all the routes;
Aware that Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC) and Edo State Government have been undertaking remedial work on the road with no desired result thereby depriving the communities of some level of development to boost their commercial activities;
Worried that the high rate of accidents and vehicular breakdowns on the road has mostly made it difficult and most of the time impassable to commuters travelling to and fro South-South, South East to the North and vice versa;
Concerned that some miscreants and hoodlums/kidnappers have recently taken advantage of the poor state of the road to carry out nefarious acts on the commuters and business owners, thus, worsening the situation;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to urgently consider dualizing the Benin-Abraka Road for ease of movement within the connected States, Communities and the Oil Sites in order to improve the economy;
(ii)Also urge the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force to tow broken down vehicles off the road to ease movement and avert further accidents;
(iii) Further urge the Inspector General of Police to beef up security surveillance to ensure the safety of lives and property;
(iv) Mandate the Committee on Works to ensure compliance.
Debate:
Hon. Billy Osawaru moved the motion on the rehabilitation, expansion and dualization of Benin–Abraka road in Edo state and it was seconded by Hon. Ginger Onwusibe. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Works and that on Federal Road Maintenance Agency when constituted.
- Need to Rehabilitate the Collapsed Bridge Linking Nassarawa–Plateau State to other Northern part of the Country.
Hon. Jeremiah Umaru:
The House:
Notes that a heavy rainfall that lasted several hours, accompanied by heavy flooding, cut off half of the bridge in Akwanga town;
Aware that the Akwanga bridge is a major gateway Linking Nassarawa–Plateau State and to Northern Parts of the Country;
Also aware that the heavy rain that caused flooding washed away half of the bridge on the expressway in Akwanga town;
Further aware that the bridge serves as a route for the transportation of goods and services to various parts of the Country, but the collapsed highway bridge in Akwanga has affected the delivery of goods and services, thus affecting the economic development of the Country;
Worried that traffic has been diverted for articulated vehicles to ply narrow streets in the town and Wamba bye-pass, through Wamba to Plateau, Kaduna and the North Eastern States;
Also worried that the deplorable condition of the alternative route from Akwanga through Wamba to other States is due to the pressure on the road, thus resulting in an increased rate of accidents and frequent armed robbery attacks causing the loss of lives and properties.
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to complete the construction of the damaged Akwanga Highway Bridge, monitor and ensure that quality materials are used for the Construction of Roads and Bridges to avoid frequent collapse
(ii) Also urge the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to commence the rehabilitation of Akwanga-Wamba Road to avoid further loss of lives and properties;
(iii) Further urge the Ecological Fund Office and the Federal Ministry of Environment to urgently assist and proffer lasting solutions to flood and erosion-prone areas of Akwanga/Wamba/Nasarawa/Eggon Federal Constituency.
(iv) Mandate the Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) (when constituted) to ensure implementation.
Debate:
Hon. Jeremiah Umaru moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate the collapsed bridge linking Nassarawa–Plateau state to other northern parts of the country, and it was seconded by Hon. Chukwu Nwachukwu. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Ecology and that on Federal Road Maintenance Agency when constituted.
- Need to Intervene in the Gully Erosion Devastating Communities in Aguata Federal Constituency of Anambra State.
Hon. Dominic Okafor:
The House:
Notes that climate change in recent years has adversely affected and impacted on the environment across the globe with its attendant side effects;
Also notes that gully erosions are a result of increased rainfall over a period of time, poor environmental practices, poor or lack of efficient drainage system, inadequate preparedness of relevant government agencies to climate change projections and warnings or total neglect of same, poor refuse disposal practice etc;
Concerned that the good people of Igbo-Ukwu, Ekwulobia, Achina, Aguluezechukwu, Uga, Umuchu, Ezinifit, Nkpologwu, Ikenga, Akpo , Amesi Communities in Aguata Federal Constituency of Anambra State have tremendously suffered the menace of dangerous gully erosions for years which has resulting in the loss of valuable land scape which could have been put to good agricultural and other economic uses;
Also concerned that the ravaging gully erosion have rendered people homeless in the affected Communities resulting in the relocation of families from their ancestral communities with its attendant traumatic consequences;
Worried that some of these communities are cut off from government reach, dislocated from one another, have their access roads washed off thereby making transportation of agricultural products from these communities very difficult;
Also worried that the communities in the areas are predominantly agrarian and are daily counting their loses due to inability to transport goods and services to other towns, loss of valuable land to gully erosions and fear of encroaching gullies;
Cognizant that if this menace of devastating gully erosions in the communities is adequately addressed, it will alleviate the hardships of residents, reclaim valuable expanse of land, improve economic activities and bring a sense of belonging and care of government to the people;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Ecological Fund office and related agencies to carry out impact assessment of the affected communities and fund a remediation plan that will stem the tide of gully erosion in the areas so affected;
(ii) Also urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected Communities of Aguata Federal Constituency;
(iii) Mandate the Committees on Environment, Works and Water Resources (when constituted) to make funds available in the 2024 budget estimates for the construction of drainage system and erosion control measures to tackle the menace of gully erosions in the affected communities.
Debate:
Hon. Dominic Okafor moved the motion on the need to intervene in the gully erosion devastating communities in Aguata federal constituency of Anambra state and it was seconded by Hon. Ogbara Kafilat. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Disaster Preparedness and Ecology when constituted.
- Need to Rehabilitate the Depilated Portion of Onitsha–Owerri Road, Anambra State.
Hon. Paschal Agbodike:
The House:
Notes that Section 14 (2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”;
Also notes that the Onitsha-Owerri road is critical to the economic development of Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole as transportation of goods and services from the commercial city of Onitsha to other parts of the Anambra State and other States in the South East and South South are carried out on this road on a daily basis;
Concerned that the dilapidated state of the Onitsha-Owerri Road has completely cut off the kilometer 8 + 100 in the Oba axis, thereby halting human and vehicular movement in the area;
Also concerned that since the failure of the portion at the Oba axis, there have been several accidents involving unsuspecting commuters whose vehicles have fallen into the deep gully in the road, resulting in the loss of lives and property;
Aware that the Anambra State Government acted on emergency basis to stop the progression of the erosion, but the urgent intervention of the Federal Government is needed to prevent more deaths and save the entire road from total collapse;
Worried that due to the deplorable state of the road which was bedeviled by gully erosion, socio-economic activities in the area have been greatly disrupted and are slowly grinding to a halt, causing huge revenue loss to Anambra State as well as the surrounding States and Nigeria as a whole;
Also worried that the road, which has become a death trap, is an existential threat to lives and needs urgent intervention to prevent further loss to the country as a whole;
Further worried that the menace of gully erosion in Anambra State is alarming with over 1,000 active erosion sites across the State and require urgent intervention;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to move to the site of the collapsed Onitsha-Owerri Road and commence rehabilitation to prevent further loss of lives and property;
(ii) Also urge the Federal Government to increase ecological funding to address the menace of erosion in Anambra State which has become a serious threat to the existence of the people;
(iii) Again urge the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to commence repairs of the dilapidated Onitsha-Owerri road; and
(iv) Mandate the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Ecological Funds and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to ensure implementation.
Debate:
Hon. Paschal Agbodike moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate the depilated portion of Onitsha–Owerri road, Anambra state and it was seconded by Hon. Ayodele Festus. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Ecology, Disaster Preparedness as wall as that on Works when constituted.
- Need to Compel the Federal Character Commission to Diligently Discharge its Constitutional and Statutory Mandate and Responsibility.
Hon. Paul Sunday Nnamchi:
The House:
Notes that the Federal Character Commission Act was enacted in 1995 and enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) with the primary responsibility to promote, monitor and enforce compliance with the principles of the proportional sharing of all bureaucratic, economic, media and political posts at all levels of government;
Recalls that no other Constitution in Nigeria history has entrenched such regulatory body and vested same with powers to facilitate national integration through equitable, transparent and unbiased sharing of national wealth and public official positions;
Laments that twenty-eight years after this purposeful enactment was aimed at national cohesion and equal opportunities, and twenty-four years after its constitutional entrenchment, the perception is that there exists brazen domination of the bureaucratic, economic, media and political posts at all levels by a section of the country at the expense of the others;
Regrets that the Federal Character Commission has virtually abdicated its constitutional and statutory responsibilities and degenerated into personality clash of interest amongst its commissioners as was the case about a year ago;
Recognise that the constitutional injunction is that the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice, which also propagates national integration and abjure discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties;
Observes that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) empowered the National Assembly with the categorical powers under section 88(2) (6) to expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it as our core oversight and supervisory duty;
Also notes that by Order Seventeen, Rule 1 (a) – b) of the Standing Orders of the House, all Ministries, statutory Agencies, Bodies or corporations shall forward to the speaker all reports required by statute within three months of the close of the reporting period, and any violation of the same attracts sanctions as provided in the Legislative houses (Power and Privileges) Act, 2017;
Concludes that it is within the Legislative competence of the National Assembly especially its relevant Committee when constituted, to compel the Federal Character Commission to discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibilities;
Resolve to:
Mandate the Committee on Federal Character (when constituted) to request the Federal Character Commission to forward the returns on appointments undertaken by Ministries, Departments and Agencies under its jurisdiction between 2015–2023 and report back within four weeks (4) for further legislative action.
Debate:
Hon. Paul Nnamchi moved the motion of the on the need to compel the Federal Character Commission to diligently discharge it’s constitutional and statutory mandate and responsibility and it was seconded by Hon. Terseer Ugbor. Hon. Akin Aboidun proposed an amendment for the need to submit a Federal Character Index to show the fairness, equity, justice and spread of the indigenes from states employed.
Hon. Miriam Onuoha proposed an amendment to set up an Ad-Hoc committee to investigate the issue.
There was also an amendment on the need to investigate the Federal Character Commission to ascertain their level of compliance in employment processes in Nigeria. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the Ad-Hoc committee when constituted.
- Need to Revive Gele–Gele Seaport, Edo State.
Hon. Esosa Iyawe:
The House:
Notes that the maritime industry is the second largest contributor of revenue to Nigeria’s economy and has been touted as capable of surpassing the oil sector in terms of revenue generation;
Also notes that Gele-Gele Seaport in Edo State has an important place in history as it was where the first European travellers to visit Benin landed and subsequent diplomatic and trade relations between the Portuguese and the great Benin Kingdom were carried out via the same seaport;
Concerned that despite its relevance as an international trade route, the Gele-Gele seaport was abandoned after Nigeria’s independence, while attention was diverted to Lagos Ports which are currently overwhelmed and other ports which have become inoperative;
Aware that the maritime industry is one of the most lucrative industries in the world as it sets the pace of growth experienced in other industries, thus Nigeria’s economic growth through the industry would largely depend on the development and expansion of its seaports to accommodate the demands on the sector;
Also aware that maritime transportation need quick response, and the labour market in the industry requires both skilled and unskilled workers for the sector to function properly, thus revitalization of the Gele-Gele seaport will create huge employment opportunities, not only for the people in the South-South zone but also for the teeming number of unemployed youths in Nigeria at large;
Cognizant that if Gele-Gele seaport is revived and developed to meet international standards, it will play a significant role in boosting Nigeria’s ailing economy as Edo State is geographically connected to various parts of the country, which makes it an economic hub for international trade and investments;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to, in line with its diversification agenda, leverage the huge economic potentials in the maritime sector by including the revitalization of the Gele-Gele Seaport in Edo State in the 2024 budget estimates;
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration (when constituted) to ensure compliance.
Debate:
Hon. Esosa Iyawe moved the motion on the need to revive Gele–Gele Seaport, Edo state and it was seconded by Hon. Blessing Onuh. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Maritime, Safety Education and Administration when constituted.
- Need to provide Control Measures on the Federal Road in Ganaja Flood-Prone Area of Ajaokuta, Kogi State linking the South East States to prevent severe Socio-Economic adverse effects on Nigerians.
Hon. Sani Egidi Abdulraheem:
The House:
Notes that the annual recurring incident of flooding in Ganaja, the confluence area in Kogi State is crippling the socio-economic activities of residents and other Nigerians plying the road, thus, destroying lives and property in the affected area;
Also notes that in January 2023, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), released a seasonal climate prediction with a forecast of the early onset of heavy rain throughout Nigeria, the forecast prediction of imminent flooding is already stirring Nigerians living in the Ganaja flood-prone area;
Concerned that Ganaja, the confluence area in Kogi State, is part of the 178 (one hundred and seventy-eight) Local Government Areas in 32 (thirty-two) Sates that fall within the anticipated flood-prone areas as stipulated by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency in its annual flood outlook;
Also concerned that Nigerians are yet to recover from the effect of the 2022 flood in Ganaja within Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State, which affected not less than 1 million (one million) Nigerians, about 300 (three hundred) thousand Nigerians displaced, 5 (five) thousand homesteads and houses damaged, an estimated 80 (eighty) hectares of farmland destroyed, and several lives lost;
Aware that the 2022 flood made the Federal Government constitute a committee to develop a comprehensive Plan of Action for Preventing future Flood Disasters in Nigeria;
Also aware that the federal road passing through Ganaja and linking the 5 (five) South East States will be inaccessible during the fast-approaching flood season and will gravely affect the socio-economic activities of Nigerians plying the road to transport their goods and services to markets within the State and from the Northern States to the South Eastern States;
Worried that the if urgent measure is not taken to provide control measures to avert future floods, it will permanently cut off the South-East States and the rest part of the State during the flood season;
Cognizant of the provisions of the National Environmental (Soil, Erosion, and Flood Control) Regulations, 2011, on the fundamental objectives of the Regulations which protect human life and the environment;
Resolves to:
(i) Invite the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and all Federal Government Agencies to brief the House on the measures put in place to ameliorate flood disasters on the federal road in Ganaja linking five South East States;
(ii) Urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to adequately prepare palliative intervention inclusive of speed boats to convey Nigerians across the flood on the federal road in Ganaja to prevent severe socio-economic adverse effects;
(iii) Also urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to liaise with the Kogi State Ministry of Works and Housing to provide an alternative bypass to the Federal Road in Ganaja in the flood-prone area to prevent cutting off the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and other Northern States from accessing the South East States through Kogi State;
(iv) Mandate the Committees of the Works, Federal Roads Maintenance and, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness (when constituted) to, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), investigate the threat posed by the flood on the Federal Road in Ganaja, ensure compliance and report back within three (3) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate:
Hon. Sani Abdulraheem moved the motion on the need to provide control measures on the federal road in Ganaja flood-prone area of Ajaokuta, Kogi State linking the South East States to prevent severe socioeconomic adverse effects on Nigerians, and it was seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Halims who commended the motion as he is directly affected as an indigene of Kogi state.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu also praised the spirit of the motion as it is one that shows goodwill of the legislators to provide solution for constituencies beyond their immediate ones.
Hon. Ademorin Kuye proposed an amendment to expunge prayer 3 as it contradicts the sovereignty of Nigeria.
Hon. Ojogo Kimiganboh proposed an amendment to add a new prayer and declare the situation as a national infrastructural emergency. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Works, as well as that on Federal Road Maintenance Agency when constituted.
- Need to Investigate the Non–remittance of Due Taxes by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) into the Federation.
Hon. Uduak A. Odudoh:
The House:
Notes that Section 162(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides for “The Federation Account” in which all revenues collected by the Government of the Federation except such exempted therein are paid;
Also notes that the said “Federation Account” belongs to the entire federation while the Federal Government keeps the same in trust on behalf of three tiers of Government in Particular and Nigerians at large;
Aware that the Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, e.t.c) Act, prescribes the basis for the distribution of revenue accruing to the federation account between the Federal, State Governments and Local Government Areas in Nigeria;
Also aware that the fate of the National Development largely depends on how transparent and accountable relevant Government agencies and corporate entities are in the collation, remittance and distribution of revenues solely acquired;
Convinced that section 6 of the Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, e.t.c) Act, established the “Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC)” to among other functions, report annually to the National Assembly in respect of the function under the Act;
Also convinced that the non-remittance of crude sales, royalties and taxes by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) into the Federation Account has been a reoccurring decimal and a sad narrative constituting a subject matter without opposing views;
Cognizant that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) had severally accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) of short-changing it by refusing to pay over 2 trillion naira to the Federation Account from crude sales, royalties and taxes;
Further aware that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited averred that the Federal Government owed it over four (4) trillion naira of subsidy payments, power debt and other sundry charges and therefore would not remit until the debts are recovered;
Further notes that the Non–remittance accusation and counter-accusation are tantamount to a calculated attempt to disrespect and downplay the collective intelligence of Nigerians;
Resolves to:
Set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the non-remittance of revenues to the Federal Government Account by the National Petroleum Company Limited and the Accusation by the Federation Account Allocation Committee.
Debate:
Hon. Uduak Odudoh moved the motion on the need to investigate the non-remittance of due taxes by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) into the Federation account, and it was seconded by Hon. Danladi Suleiman. Hon. Obuku Oforji proposed an amendment to set up an Ad-Hoc committee to investigate the issue. His amendment was rejected.
Hon. Saheed Abdullahi proposed another amendment to refer the matter to the House committee on Finance when constituted. His amendment was carried and the motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Finance when constituted.
- Need to Investigate the Abandonment of Section 1 of the Project for Dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri Road.
Hon. Yusuf Shittu Galambi:
The House:
Notes that the Kano-Maiduguri road is a major link to several States in the country including Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe and Borno States among others;
Also notes that in October, 2006, the Federal Government approved a contract for the dualisation of the road, which was divided into five (5) sections with Section 1 covering 202 kilometers dual line along Kano–Wudil–Gaya in Kano State and Shuwarin in Jigawa State;
Aware that the contract for the construction of Section 1 of the project was awarded to Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited;
Also aware that the other 4 sections of the road have been completed many years ago;
Concerned that Section 1 of the project was abandoned without any plausible explanation despite funding of the project by the Federal Government;
Worried that the road, which is now in a deplorable condition, poses a major risk to commuters as accidents are recorded on a regular basis and hoodlums are taking advantage to unleash mayhem on unsuspecting road users;
Also worried that due to the dilapidation of the road, economic activities in the area have been paralyzed, thus causing untold hardship to the people;
Cognizant that prompt completion of the road will, not only provide safety for commuters, but also boost socio-economic activities of communities in the area;
Resolves to:
Constitute an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the non-completion of the road with a view to ensuring that all factors impeding its completion are effectively addressed and the road duly completed, and report back within three (3) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate:
Hon. Yusuf Galambi moved the motion on the need to investigate the abandonment of section 1 of the project for dualization of the Kano-Maiduguri road and it was seconded by Hon. Nasiru Shehu. Hon. Kabiru Ahmadu proposed an amendment to call on the relevant Committee of the House when constituted to mandate the Ministry of Works to ensure compliance. His amendment was carried, and the motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Works as well as that on Federal Road Maintenance Agency when constituted.
- Need to Discourage the Destruction of Vessels Laden with Stolen Crude Oil with a view to Curbing Environmental Pollution in the Niger Delta Region.
Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi:
The House:
Notes the recent reports of interception, arrest and subsequent destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta region, the most recent being MT TURA II on Friday 7th July, 2023 in the escravos river in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State;
Also notes that the vessel MT TURA, an 800,000 tonne capacity vessel was at the time of arrest and destruction, laden with about 150,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil;
Further notes that the said vessel was set ablaze by a joint team of Nigeria security forces and representatives of the NNPC Ltd. on 11h July, 2023;
Aware that in October 2022, a vessel named MT DEIMA which was laden with 1500 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil, was also arrested and set ablaze in the Warri escravos river;
Also aware that setting ablaze stolen crude oil laden vessels will further destroy the well-endowed ecosystem of the Niger Delta region already ravaged by oil exploration;
Worried that this act if allowed to continue, will further affect the livelihood and the overall wellbeing of the Niger Delta people who have fishing as their main occupation;
Cognizance of the determination of the Federal Government to curb oil spill in the Niger Delta region and make the living condition of the people better;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the security agencies of the Federal Government to desist from further setting ablaze vessels laden with stolen crude oil;
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Environment (when constituted) to ensure compliance.
Debate:
Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi moved the motion on the need to discourage the destruction of vessels loaded with stolen crude oil with a view to curbing environmental pollution in the Niger Delta and it was seconded by Hon. Ojuawo Adeniyi.
Hon. Abiante proposed an amendment to also incorporate the House Committee on Maritime, Safety Education and Administration to the prayer of the motion.
Hon. Ibe also proposed an amendment to urge the security agencies to take legal action against the owners of the vessels laden with stolen crude oil.
Hon. Patrick Umoh proposed an amendment to amend prayer 2 to mandate the House committees on Environment and Climate Change when constituted to act on the matter.
Hon. Etan Abene proposed an amendment to set up a committee to investigate the reason why the security agencies decide to burn the vessels in the first place instead of parading the culprits.
Hon. Nkwonta proposed an amendment to ascertain what happens to the crude oil laden in the vessels when they are burned, as it has high economic value to Nigerians when utilized. All amendments were carried and the motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Environment as well as that on NIMASA when constituted.
- Rehabilitation of Federal Science and Technical College, Ukana Offot in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and Other Institutions for Technical and Vocational Education Across the Country.
Hon. Mark Esset:
The House:
Notes that Technical and vocational education is critical to boosting the economy and development of any developing nation as it is concerned with qualitative technological human resources development geared towards a national pool of skilled and self-reliant craftsmen, technicians and technologists in technical and vocational education fields;
Also notes that while technical education is not designed for any particular vocation but provides general technical knowledge and prepares people for entry into recognized occupations at a higher level, vocational education on the other hand refers to skill-based programmes which are designed for skill acquisition at a lower level of education and focuses on specific vocations for entry into defined workplaces;
Further notes that technical education is usually a merger of technical education and vocational education, that is, the inclusion of basic technical and scientific knowledge with the skill-based vocational programme, thus it is deemed to be the answer to youth unemployment, given its place in proffering a proactive solution to the corrosive unemployment rate in Nigeria;
Concerned that the Federal Science and Technical College College at Ukana Offot in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State as well as other Institutions for technical and vocational education across the country are in deplorable conditions and portray an unserious attitude to the country’s quest for technological development;
Also concerned that the laboratories and workshops in the Federal Science and Technical in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and other Institutions for technical and vocational education in Nigeria are dilapidated and in need of re-engineering and reinvention;
Aware that according to experts, training citizens on the need to be technologically literate would eventually lead to self-reliance and sustainability, thus technical education, more than any other profession, has a direct impact on the development of the country;
Worried that despite all the glaring contributions of technical and vocational education in the nation, Nigeria is yet to accord this type of education the attention it deserves, and that is one of the major reasons for the rising unemployment, poverty and unabated crimes in the society today;
Also worried that polytechnics, which are supposed to admit students from technical colleges, have been relegated as the students are reluctant to apply for admissions into the institutions due to dilapidated infrastructure, obsolete equipment, inadequate and unqualified teachers and instructors to meet with current industry skills impartation;
Cognizant that Technical and vocational education cannot effectively contribute to the reduction of abject poverty, hunger and unemployment in Nigeria unless the institutions for technical and vocational education are adequately funded, equipped, and properly incentivized;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to rehabilitate, adequately fund and equip the Federal Science and Technical College at Ukana Ofot in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as well as other Institutions for Technical and Vocational Education Across the country;
(ii) Also urge the Federal Government to provide Special intervention funds for procurement of workshop facilities for technical and vocational institutions across the country;
(iii) Mandate the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services (when constituted) to investigate and ascertain the true status of Institutions for Technical and Vocational Education across the country with a view to proffering solutions to the issues preventing the institutions from functioning optimally and impacting the economy, and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate:
Hon. Mark Esset moved the motion on the rehabilitation of Federal Science and Technical College, Ukana Offot in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state and other institutions for technical and vocational education across the country, and it was seconded by Hon. Abdulrahman Ajiya. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Tertiary Education and Services when constituted.
Adjournment:
The House after a brief executive session at 14:30 PM adjourned plenary to Wednesday, July 19th 2023 by 11:00 AM, following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.
Updated by LightRay Media, Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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