Nigerian Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Thursday, February 15th, 2024

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the second votes and proceedings of Wednesday February 14th, 2024.

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PETITIONS:

1. Hon. Abdullahi Halims laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigerian Airforce on the alleged non-payment of a judgement sum in his favor. He called on the House to intervene on the matter.
2. Hon. Peter Enekwe laid 5 petitions on behalf of the Civil Society Group Initiative for Leadership Watch against 5 alleged defaulters on 5 different issues.

All petitions were referred to the House committee on Public Petitions.

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Mohammed Buba moved a motion on the need to address the worsening insecurity in Fika local government area of Yobe State and it was seconded by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi. Hon. Buba in leading the debate bemoaned the reoccurring nature of the attacks on the community which has led to huge losses of lives and properties.

He called the on the Chief or Army Staff and the Inspector General of police to deploy more personnel to the region in order to ensure the peace and safety needed. Hon. Buba further called on the Ministry on Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency, as well as the Northeast Development Commission to provide succor to the victims and that the House Committee on Army as well as that on Legislative Compliance should ensure compliance to the prayers of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committees on Disaster Management, Humanitarian Affars, Army as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

2. Hon. Daniel Asama moved a motion on the urgent need to implement Part 14 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and it was seconded by Hon. Peter Ibrahim.
   Hon. Daniel in leading the debate stated that past resolutions passed by the House on addressing security challenges nationwide have yielded few implementations by security agencies. He called for the enforcement of the said Act as it will ensure sanity in the security of Nigeria. Hon. Daniel urged the Inspector General to fully implement the provisions of the Act and that the House committee on Police Affairs as well as that on Legislative Compliance should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs.

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MATTER OF PRIVILEGE:

1. Hon. Solomon Bob moved a matter of collective privilege of Honourable Members on the reportage on the stand of the House on a motion moved by Hon. Ademorin Kuye and called for the rescission of the decision of the House on the said motion as the House constitutionally should not interphase with the spending of state governors in the affairs of their States.

Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa also agreed and reiterated the position of Hon. Solomon Bob to be in line with the Nigerian constitution.

Hon. Ademorin Kuye in exercising his right of reply suggested that since the House had already ruled with a resolution; any change should come by way of another substantive motion.

Hon. Francis Waive who is the chairman House Committee on Rules and Business stated that Hon. Solomon Bob was right to call for the rescission in the manner in which he has carried it out.

Hon. Babajimi Benson supported the stand of Hon. Ademorin Kuye as a tool to compel the Federal government to ensure State governments duly deploy funds to tackle insecurity as the agency disbursing the said funds to the States is oversighted by the National Assembly.

Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki questioned if the motion by Hon. Solomon Bob is indeed a substantive motion which is the right way for Hon. Solomon Bob to come by. The motion was stepped down to be properly moved on the next legislative day.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY:

BILLS:

1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Act, 2007 to be in tandem with what obtains in the Procurement Professional Practice across the Globe and for Related Matters (HB.346) (Hon. Sani Aliyu Madaki) – Second Reading.

Second reading of the Bill stepped down by leave of the House.

2. A Bill for an Act to Amend the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards, etc.) Act, Cap. U15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters (HB.962) (Hon. Ukodhiko Ajirioghene Jonathan) – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Jonathan Ajirioghene moved for the second reading of the bill and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Umar. Hon. Jonathan in leading the debate stressed the importance of health infrastructure development to reduce medical tourism of Nigerians and the resultant loss of funds to foreign exchange in favor of the dollar and the detriment of the Naira. He stated that it will also promote employment, health and knowledge development for Nigerians in the region. The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

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MOTIONS:

3. Rescission of Clauses 4 (2), 11 (1) and 15 (6) of the NABRO Bill, 2023:

Hon. Francis Waive:

The House:

Notes that the NABRO Bill, 2023 was passed on 21 December, 2023 and is awaiting the concurrence of the Senate;

Also notes that after the passage, it was realized that Clauses 4 (2), 11 (1) and 15 (6) of the NABRO Bill as Passed should be re-examined to achieve the intendment of the Bill;

Appreciates that rescinding the decision on Clauses 4 (2), 11 (1) and 15 (16) of the NABRO Bill will address the mischief the Bill seeks to cure;

Resolves to:

Rescind its decision on Clauses 4 (2), 11 (1) and 15 (16) of the NABRO Bill and recommit same to the Committee of the whole for reconsideration and passage.

Debate:

Hon. Francis Waive moved the motion on recession of Clauses 4 (2), 11 (1) and 15 (6) of the NABRO bill, 2023 and it was seconded by Hon. Useni Jalo. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the committee of the Whole.

4. Call for National Disaster Insurance Scheme:

Hon. Biodun Omoleye Francis:

The House:

Notes that billions of Nigerian taxpayers’ funds allocated to addressing natural and artificial disasters, yet no significant relief has been provided to affected victims;

Also notes that billions of private and public infrastructures are destroyed annually by the combined effects of floods, fire, and storms of unimaginable proportions, hence the need to address the noticeable gaps in disaster mitigation management in Nigeria;

Aware that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), saddled with the management of disasters in Nigeria, has used insufficient resources to manage disasters, often resulting in insignificant budgets and unable to mitigate the actual effects;

Informed that the affected victims are worst off after each disaster mitigation exercise as hopes and expectations are dashed, leading to huge frustration and suicide contemplations by many, who are often occupationally and habitually displaced;

Concerned that the rise in unwholesome practices by hoodlums and bandits may be linked to the frustrations of victims whose livelihoods, such as farming and animal husbandry, have been lost without future assistance;

Worried that Institutions responsible for risk management during emergencies are not fulfilling their expected responsibilities;

Cognizant of the need to connect the relevant agencies to transform their risk-bearing capacity into multilateral risk-bearing capacity and influence that can put smiles on the faces of victims;

Recognizes that bold steps must be taken to secure citizens’ futures and address disasters affecting everyone, regardless of class, creed, or gender, and evolve a new mitigation approach;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the National Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Environment, Office of the National security Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Fire Services Department, National Human Rights Commission, the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Insurance Corporation and Representatives of Insurance firms to re-examine the current disaster policy framework for National Development and consider implementing a new national disaster insurance scheme to ensure public confidence;

(ii) also urge the National Orientation Agency, the Ministry of Information and national Orientation, and the public enlightenment unit of the National Emergency Management Agency to embark on public enlightenment and sensitization programs nationwide in all Nigerian languages to educate the people on early warning signals, especially on fire during the coming harmattan season;

(iii) mandate the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Appropriations, Environment, National Security and Intelligence, Finance, Water Resources, Human Rights, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:

Hon. Biodun Francis moved the motion on the call for National Disaster Insurance Scheme and it was seconded by Hon. Bukar. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on National Emergency Management, Environment, Finance, Human Rights as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

5. Call for Channelization of Wase Dam to Neighbouring Communities in Gezawa/Gabasawa Federal Constituency:

Hon. Mohammed Chiroma Garba:

The House:

Notes that Minjibir Wase Dam was built along the Jakara stream’s drainage system and channeled into the lowlands of Minjibir in order to improve food security, address water scarcity, and support irrigation agriculture and reservoir construction for flood control

Also notes that Wase Dam is contaminated with industrial and household water waste, causing negative impacts on the environment, food crops, aquatic life, and human health, thus emphasizing the need for a treatment method that conserves nutrients and removes harmful substances from polluted water before its use for agricultural and domestic purposes;

Aware that the construction of a water treatment plant and irrigation canals from Wase dam to Barwa, Mesar Gudal, Yautar Kudu, Yautar Arewa, Marayar Gawo Tsalle, Yunbu, Marayar Kuka, Yaranchi, Bariya Digilo, Bangare, Baita, Masaku, and Yarkogi villages will help solve the problem of water shortage, curb desertification, provide water for irrigation and animal husbandry, boost socioeconomic activities, and enhance rural livelihoods in the host communities;

Also aware that the construction of irrigation canals will enhance government efforts to combat desertification by creating a conducive environment for afforestation at the federal and state levels;

Observes that the construction of a plant and irrigation canals will significantly help to reduce seasonal flooding caused by the Wase Dam overflow, thereby protecting neighbouring communities;

Recognises that the proposed irrigation canals will increase the number of beneficiaries, boost youth employment, reduce rural-urban migration, and make the local economy resilient to market forces; as the Wase Dam is currently underutilized, with only 20,000 people benefiting from its services;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation through Hadeja-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority to construct a water treatment plant and irrigation canals to connect Barwa, Mesar Gudal, Yautar Kudu, Yautar Arewa, Marayar Gawo, Tsalle, Yunbu, Marayar Kuka, Yaranchi, Bariya Digilo, Bangare, Baita, Masaku and Yarkogi villages in Gezawa/ Gabasawa Federal Constituency; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Water Resources to liaise with Hadeja-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority to conduct a need assessment for the project to prioritize and capture same in 2025 budget estimates and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action

Debate:

Hon. Mohammed Garba moved the motion on the call for channelization of Wase dam to neighboring communities in Gezawa/Gabasawa federal constituency and it was seconded by Hon. Ahmed Abdullahi.

Hon. Inuwa Garba proposed an amendment to prayer 1 to ensure a comprehensive environmental impact analysis on the site before the project is carried out. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Water Resources.

6. Deplorable State of Road Network in the Federal Housing Estate, Alimosho Federal Constituency of Lagos State:

Hon. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba:

The House:

Notes that Gowon Estate and Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate also known as (Shagari Estate) in Alimosho Federal Constituency of Lagos State, were constructed and managed by the Federal Housing Authority in accordance with its mandate of development and management of Real Estate on both commercial and portable basis in all States of the Federation;

Also notes that the aforementioned Estates were built as part of plans by the Federal Government to cater for housing deficits and infrastructural inadequacies in Nigeria and like some other Housing Estates across the country, were provided with social amenities including but not limited to road networks to make human and vehicular movement within the Estates easy;

Concerned that over the years, the roads within Gowon and Shagari Housing Estates in Alimosho Federal Constituency have become dilapidated due to neglect and abandonment by the agencies responsible for their maintenance;

Also concerned that the deplorable state of the roads has caused pain and agony to residents, particularly during emergencies, resulting to loss of productive times, avoidable expenses on vehicle maintenance and depreciation of the value of properties within the estates;

Cognizant that unless urgent steps are taken to rehabilitate the roads in the affected estates, the situation could worsen, thus resulting in devastating consequences;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal ministry of Works to commence rehabilitation and reconstruction of the dilapidated roads in Gowon Estate and Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate in Alimosho Federal Constituency of Lagos State; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Housing and Habitat to ensure compliance.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

7. Need to Rescue the Nigerian Economy from imminent Collapse and Restore Investors’ Confidence in the System:

Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide:

The House:

Notes that conventional fiscal policies require a minimum of 90 days to manifest, in contrast to the current trend in Nigeria where immediate enforcement is prevalent, thus necessitating the need for a shift towards a collaborative approach which integrates fiscal and monetary policies with stakeholder’s engagement to prevent isolation and guarantee active stakeholders’ involvement in consequential
decisions;

Also notes that the Central Bank of Nigeria has raised customs tariffs six times in the past six months, causing inflation and disrupting import and excise duty calculations, which businesses rely on for business planning.

Aware that businesses and investors rely on a stable transactional exchange rate for import and excise duty calculations for at least two years to enable effective business planning;

Alarmed that the Central bank of Nigeria experienced a series of exchange rate adjustments for customs duties within six months, in 24 June, 2023, the rate increased from N422.30/$1 to N589/$1, followed by N770.88/$1 on July 6, 2023, N783.174/$1, on November 14, 2023, N951.941/$1 on December 7, 2023, and a double-adjustment on February 2 and 3, 2024, reaching N1,356.833/$1 and N1,413.62/$1 respectively, illustrating excessive fluctuations and volatility in the currency market, raising significant concerns about business planning and economic stability;

Worried that due to the frequent customs exchange rate hikes, Nigerian importers are shifting towards ports in Tema, Ghana; Lome, Togo; and Cotonou, Benin Republic, causing a substantial 65% decrease in cargo importation and business activities at Nigerian seaports, with daily container examinations dropping from approximately 250 to just about 80;

Concerned that the current system in Nigeria which relies on a market-based exchange rate for calculating customs duties causes fluctuations based on market conditions, and poses significant predictability and stability challenges for businesses, thus necessitating alternative solutions for customs duties by considering options like a fixed-rate system or a hybrid system combining market based and fixed elements to enhance predictability and stability;

Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Nigeria to provide adequate notice to stakeholders in the maritime industry and the general public before altering customs exchange rates. This ensures transparency and allows stakeholders to prepare for any changes that may affect their operations;

(ii) also urge the Central Bank of Nigeria to maintains the system exchange rate for Customs duty and Excise duty purposes below N1,000/$1 preferably N951.941/$1 to encourage patronage in Nigerian ports to prevent galloping inflation, aiming to balance economic stability with competitiveness in the global;

(iii) urther urge the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure the international best practice of allowing a 90-day grace period for fiscal policy changes to facilitate the completion of ongoing transactions under existing policies; and

(iv) mandate the Committees of Customs and Excise, Finance and Banking Regulations to interface with the Minister of Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria, Governor and Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs on how fixed exchange rate for Customs and Excise duties will work for the system to boost exports and encourage patronage in the nations Ports.

Debate:

Hon. Leke Abejide moved the motion on the need to rescue the Nigerian economy from imminent collapse and restore investors’ confidence in the system and it was seconded by Hon. Chris Nkwonta. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committees on Finance, Banking and Currency as well as that on Customs and Excise.

8. Need to Review the 2024 Hajj Fare payable by Intending Pilgrims:

Hon. Umar Shehu Ajilo:

The House:

Notes that Hajj is an important pillar of the Islamic religion that enjoins the visitation of the Holy Mosques and other historical sites, among other significant rituals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;

Also notes that this year’s Hajj farehas been fixed at a very exorbitant rate of about five million naira (N5,000,000.00), which is unsuitable for middle- and low-income intending pilgrims;

Concerned that, given the surrounding circumstances and prevailing economic reality, it has become necessary to reassess and review the processes and procedures adopted by the National Hajj Commission in arriving at the fare with a view to reducing it thereby making same affordable to the intending pilgrims;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Government to intervene by subsidizing the Hajj fare to enable intending pilgrims participate in the religious ritual; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage to engage the National Hajj Commission in reviewing and reassessing processes and strategies aimed at making pilgrimage fare more affordable for intending pilgrims.

Debate:

Hon. Umar Ajilo moved the motion on the need to review the 2024 Hajj fare payable by intending pilgrims and it was seconded by Hon. Ginger Onwusibe.

Hon. Abdulhakeem Ado proposed an amendment to prayer 2 to ensure the matter is concluded within 4 weeks in order to give intending pilgrims enough time to prepare. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage.

9. Need to Investigate Abuse of Due Process in the Award of Contract and Constructions of Metropolitan Fire Stations in FCT, Lagos, Abeokuta, Minna, Kano and Enugu States:

Hon. Peter Akpanke:

The House:

Notes the allegation of gross abuse by the Federal Fire Service in the award of contracts for Construction of Metropolitan Stations in such major Nigeria cities like FCT, Lagos, Abeokuta, Minna Kano and Enugu States;

Concerned that the extant regulations that mandate government agencies to follow due process in the award, execution, and inspection of projects were grossly abused by the Federal Fire Service;

Aware that the nation stands to lose several millions of naira due to fragrant abuses of procedures for the award of public contracts, lack of transparency in the award of public contracts;

Also concerned that the non-compliance of Extant Regulations by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government has the potential of delivery projects and services that are below acceptable standards and specifications;

Worried that the alleged breach of due process by the Federal Fire Service may be indicative of the current trend in the award and execution of contracts by most Ministries, Departments, and Agencies;

Alarmed that the gross abuse of due process by the Federal Fire Service will encourage other agencies of Government to abuse due process in the award and execution of contracts;

Resolves to:

(i) mandate the Committee on Interior to implement the legal and institutional framework and professional capacity for public procurements in Nigeria, as established in the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) Act; and

(ii) also mandate the Committee on Public Procurement to investigate the non-adherence to Due Process by the Federal Fire Service in the award of contracts for the construction of Metropolitan Fire Stations in major cities across the Country.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

10. Need to Fund Mangu Dam Project to Completion:

Hon. Ishaya David Lalu:

The House:

Notes that the Mangu Dam Project, awarded in 2002 by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, had the purpose of constructing a dam and water treatment plant, providing portable drinking water, supporting irrigation farming, and potentially generating electricity;

Also notes that the water supply component of the project was designed to provide portable drinking water to eleven communities in Mangu LGA of Plateau State, including Gindiri, Chanso, Kasuwan Ali, Langai, Kadunu, Mangu town, Mangu-Halle, Panyam, Pushit, Kerang, and Mangun;

Aware that the project, initially awarded in 2002 to Messrs. Transproject Company Ltd. under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, was abandoned until August 2014, when it was awarded to another contractor, Messrs. Infouest International Ltd, during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration;

Worried that the water treatment plant and Dam were awarded to various contractors, however, the former Minister for Water Resources inaugurated the plant on December 17, 2018, but the Dam is not yetcompleted owing to inadequate funding over the past two years;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to include the Mangu Dam Project in the 2025 budget estimates with consideration of variations in prices and initiate budgetary releases for the completion of the project;

(ii) also urge the Plateau State Government to complete the reticulation component of the project as their counterpart obligation; and

(iii) mandate the Committees on Water Resources and Sanitation and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Debate:

Hon. David Lalu moved the motion on the need to fund Mangu dam project to completion and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu.

Hon. Inuwa Garba proposed an amendment to prayer 3 calling for a proper investigation by the House Committee on Water Resources to ascertain why the contract has lingered for so long without competition. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Water Resources.

11. Alleged Non–Remittance and Under–Remittance of Tax by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government, Oil Companies and Other Organisations:

Hon. Esosa Iyawe:

The House:

Notes that taxation is a veritable tool used by governments to regulate economic and commercial activities and ensure availability of funds for sustainable national development;

Also notes that the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act, 2004 established the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for the core purpose of assessing, collecting, remitting and accounting for the Federation’s taxes;

Concerned that in 2021, during an interactive session with a Committee in the National Assembly, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) revealed that the sum of seventeen billion, six hundred and ninety million, three hundred and forty-one thousand, five hundred and sixty-five Naira (N17, 690,341,565) was being owed in tax by some Companies whose addresses could not be traced, and till date, nothing has been done to locate the dubious companies or recover the funds;

Also concerned about audit reports for the years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 which indicted some government agencies for owing hundreds of billions in FIRS taxes comprising under-payments and under-recoveries, while another report alleged that over 5,000 Companies and individuals spread across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government were owing the sum of Five Trillion, Two Hundred Billion (N5.2 Trillion) Naira in withholding taxes;

Disturbed that under-remittance and non-remittance of tax deprive the Federal Government of much needed funds to drive its policies for national development and if the situation is not urgently addressed, the effect could be crippling on the country’s already dwindling economy;

Worried that while small-scale businesses in Nigeria are frustrated by multiple taxation by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, States and Local Government Authorities, Multinational Companies and other corporate organisations are getting the kid-glove treatment;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to, as a matter of urgency, embark on immediate recovery of all taxes owed the Federal Government by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), oil companies, as well as other corporate organisations and individuals; and

(ii) mandate the Committees on Public Accounts and Finance to investigate the non-compliance on tax remittance by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government, Oil Companies and other organisations with a view to ensuring that all debts in taxes owed the Federal Government are duly recovered, and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

12. Need to Curtail the Dangerous Effects of Sport Betting and Direct the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to comply with the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act, 2005:

Hon. Kelechi Nwogu:

The House:

Notes that sports betting is expanding like wildfire globally including Nigeria which has growing betting outfits such as Naira Bet, Bet 9ja, Sure Bet, Winners Golden Bet Max Bet, Merry Bet, 1960 Bet, Bet Colony, Stakers Den, Bet 360, Bet 365, Apollo Bet etc;

Also notes that News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that approximately 60 million Nigerians aged 18 to 40 are engaged in sports betting;

Aware that the National Lottery Act, 2005 provides for establishment of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the National Lottery Trust Fund and are intended to ensure fair operation and protection of players, stakeholders, and the public;

Also aware that Section 2 of the Regulations stipulates that a Licensee, appointed agents, franchisees, or operators shall adhere strictly to government policies on social responsibility in designing, advertising, and marketing;

Worried that weak or neglected regulations of sports betting has dangerously led to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or addiction; strained or broken relationships due to lying or stealing from friends and family, financial problems, legal issues, and job loss due to excessive loss or debt, increased crime rates and eventually committing suicide;

Disturbed that most players prefer betting through their mobile phones instead of visiting retail outlets in order to evade control and regulations;

Cognizant that if sport betting is properly regulated and supervised, it will generate tax revenue for the government and contribute to economic growth;

Further aware of the need to carry campaigns to prevent the negative social impact of lottery and prohibit underage participation;

Resolves to

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to conduct comprehensive nationwide campaigns to raise public awareness about the negative impact of youth participation in sports betting;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Inter–Governmental Affairs to conduct a Public Hearing on the dangerous effects and benefits of sports betting in Nigeria and report back within (four) 4 weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:

Hon. Kelechi Nwogu moved the motion on the need to curtail the dangerous effects of sport betting and direct the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to comply with the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act, 2005 and it was seconded by Hon. Boniface Merengue. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs.

13. Need to Immortalise Late, Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) CON in Recognition of his Tremendous Contributions to National Development.

Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye:

The House:

Notes with sadness the death of Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Late, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, who passed on at the age of sixty-seven years;

Also notes that the late Akeredolu was born on 21 July 1956 in Owo to Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu family, had primary and secondary education at Government Primary School, Owo and Aquinas College, Akure/ Loyola College, Ibadan respectively where upon he proceeded to Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro for his Higher School certificate;

Aware that the late Akeredolu took his educational pursuits further by studying Law at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where he graduated in 1977 was call to Bar in 1978;

Also aware that the late Governor was appointed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, where he served in that capacity from 1997 – 1999, working assiduously for law reform and promotion of the rule of law;

Informed that in recognition of his leadership qualities, late Akeredolu was elected as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2008, where he advocated for the protection of human rights and the rule of law;

Also informed that in recognition of his significant contribution to the development of the legal profession in Nigeria, His Excellency, late Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, CON was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN) in 2012;

Cognizant that in 2016, late Akeredolu contested the gubernatorial election in Ondo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was elected Governor of the State on February 24, 2017.

Also cognizant that in view of exceptional style of leadership and good governance, he was re-elected and sworn in for a second term of four years in 2017 where he served diligently until his demise on the 27 December 2023;

Conscious that as the former Governor of Ondo State, late Akeredolu vigorously pursued and implemented various policies and programs aimed at promoting economic growth and development in addition to improving the infrastructure, healthcare, and education sectors, as well as attracting foreign investment to the state;

Also conscious that late Governor Akeredolu dedicated his entire life to the promotion of integration, economic development, and security of the Southwest region, including his unprecedented commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and the development of Nigeria generally;

Convinced that late Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu was a statesman, a society stabiliser, an epitome of selfless service, who stood for the ordinary man and never compromised his professional standards, devoting a greater part of his life to humanity;

Also convinced that having passed, it is necessary to acknowledge this patriotic Nigerian by immortalizing him in recognition of his selfless service to our fatherland in various capacities;

Resolves to:

(i) Observe a minute silence in honour of the deceased;

(ii) send a high-powered delegation to commiserate with his family, Ondo State government and the good people of Ondo State; and

(iii) urge the Federal Government to name the Federal Medical Centre, Owo after late Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

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Adjournment:

The House at 12:45 PM adjourned plenary to Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Halims and seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki.

Courtesy: LightRay! Media and Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.