Plenary proceedings of the House of Reps, Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Tuesday, May 7th, 2024

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ANNOUNCEMENT:

1. The Clerk of the House announced that the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Halims on behalf of the Leadership of the House have decided that In line with the need need for all-inclusiveness of all genders, geopolitical zones and interests of people with special needs, some more Honorable members have been incorporated into the Committee on Constitutional Review.

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PETITIONS:

1. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi laid 2 petitions on behalf of 2 sets of complainants. The first is against Nigeria Petroleum Upstream Regulators on the alleged disobedience to a standing court order. The second is against Nigerian Navy and the Central Bank of Nigeria on alleged breach of procedure.
2. Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid several petitions on behalf of diverse complainants bordering on different issues.
3. Hon. Ngozi Okolie laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency on the alleged shooting of a Nigerian that led to gruesome bodily harm.
4. Hon. Blessing Amadi laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Federal Polytechnic in Kaduna on the alleged trespassing and sale of his land.
5. Hon. James Barka laid a petition on behalf of a complainant on the need to investigate the alleged disappearance of a missing person
6. Hon. Abdullahi Halims laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against The Inspector General of Police and some other Security personnel on the alleged violation of the order of a Court of Law and breach and intimidation.
7. Hon. Tanko Adamu laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the management of Kaduna Polytechnic on the alleged violation of laid down management procedures.
8. Hon. Thaddeus Attah laid a petition on behalf of Landmark Group against the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road as it will destabilize legal business activities in the region. They stated that the plight of these legitimate businesses which are the lifeline of so many individuals has not been addressed yet.
9. Hon. Mansur Soro laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against a petroleum company and the Nigerian Midstream/Downstream regulatory Agencies over their failure to replace damaged properties from a fire outbreak in Abuja
10. Hon. Clement Jumbo laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigerian Army on his alleged unlawful suspension and also a strong appeal for his reinstatement.

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

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MATTER OF PRIVILEGE:

1. Hon. Kama Nkemkama rose on a matter of privilege as there are several reports that Honorable members were demanding bribes from some invited individuals for an Investigative Hearing. He moved that the House invites the accusers to come and brief the House on who particularly asked for such bribes.

The Honorable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas stated that the Clerk of the House should take note and ensure the matter is clarified accordingly so that Nigerians are not misled in the dealings of the House of Representatives.

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Ahmed Jaha moved a motion on the need to improve the electricity supply to the Northeast region from the national grid and it was seconded by Hon. Nwogu Matthew. Hon. Jaha in leading the debate stated that the Northeast has continued to suffer deprivation of power to the region due to the actions of non-state actors and the electricity Transmission company’s materials are dilapidated. He called on the federal government to ensure that the Transmission Company of Nigeria are able to provide power from the National grid so that sufficient power gets to the Northeast and to also ensure adequate resources to the TCN to facilitate its work. He called on the House committee on Power as well as that on Northeast Development Commission to ensure full compliance to the prayers of the motion and that it should take effect immediately. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Power, Northeast Development Commission as well as that on Legislative Compliance.
2. Hon. Adejaye Paul moved a motion on the urgent call for provision for comprehensive medical and financial assistance for the victims of a gas explosion in Lagos state and it was seconded by Hon. Miriam Onuoha. Hon. Paul in leading the debate stated that many of the victims are still receiving treatment and the devastation destroyed many homes and lifeline of businesses. He commended the fire service for its quick intervention that led to the swift putting out of the inferno. Hon. Paul however expressed worry at the tragic loss of lives from the incident. He called on the National Emergency Management Agency to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the explosion and that it should provide support to the victims as well as to assist the efforts of the Lagos state government in this regard. He further called on the House committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee National Emergency Management Agency as well as that on Legislative Compliance.
3. Hon. Dominic Okafor moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the security breach that led to the escape of the Binance Bitcoin executive from the custody of the National Security Adviser and it was seconded by Hon. Eze Nwachukwu. Hon. Okafor in leading the debate stated that the 2 finance executives had been apprehended to answer questions on financial misappropriations to the Nigerian economy. He expressed worry how one of the executives was able to escape using a smuggled passport when his official passport had been seized. Hon. Okafor called on the National Security Adviser to explain how such a high profile suspect could escape from his office. He advocated for the Office of the National Security Adviser to be relinquished of the duty of the investigation into the matter and urged the House to mandate that the Department of State Security (DSS) should prosecute anyone found culpable. He also called on the relevant committees of the House to ensure compliance.

Hon. Yusuf Galambi proposed an amendment to delete prayers 1 and 2 and leave just the call for investigation, so that it does not seem preemptive. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Financial Crimes, National Security as well as that on Police Affairs.

4. Hon. Billy Osawaru moved a motion on the need for security presence in schools across the country in order to address the worsening security situation nationwide and it was seconded by Hon. Murphy Osaro. Hon. Osawaru in leading the debate stressed the worrying waves of kidnappings and wanton destruction of lives and properties in schools nationwide especially since 2014. He bemoaned the recent kidnappings in schools in Kaduna and Zamfara states. He stated that these acts of insecurity has spread nationwide. Hon. Osawaru expressed worry that if these activities of banditry are not adequately tackled by government; educational activities may grind to a total halt. He bemoaned the fact that scores of these abducted children are killed or still remain in the hands of their captors years after being abducted. He called on the House committee on Army, Police Affairs as well as that on Defense to come up with ways to ensure protection of Nigerian children in schools nationwide. He also called on schools to liaise with Security Agencies to ensure protection of their students and that the National Orientation Agency, Traditional, Community and Religious leaders should ensure orientation of their communities on the issue.

Hon. Abubakar Yalleman proposed to ensure that the House committee on Defense should be the lead committee on the matter. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Defense, Army Airforce, Police Affairs as well as that on Internal Security.

5. Hon. Abdullahi Halims moved a motion on the need for the immediate intervention of the federal government to stop the gruesome of killings and wanton destruction of properties of people in some communities in Kogi state and it was seconded by Hon. Idu Emeka. Hon. Halims in leading the debate stated that the affected communities were invaded by suspected Fulani herdsmen who proceeded to raze down buildings and killed some women, youth and children. He stated that over 40 people lost their lives, many displaced and several homes were torched. Hon. Halims stated that the people of the community are mostly farmers with fertile lands and there is the fear of food insecurity as their agricultural activities have been halted due to the attacks. He called on the police and military to ensure the deployment of more personnel to the region and that there should be a functional military base to ensure prompt response to such attacks in future. Hon. Halims also called on the National Emergency Management Agency to come to the aid of the victims and that the relevant committees of the House should ensure compliance.

Hon. Bello Kumo raised a point of order to the aspect of the motion that ascribes the attacks to being carried out by “Fulani herdsmen” especially when there has not been a verified investigation. He took strong exception to that and called on Hon. Halims to amend the motion by expunging the word “Fulani” from the body of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on Police Affairs, Army, Humanitarian Affairs as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

6. Hon. Kelechi Nwogu moved a motion on the need to investigate the cause of the death of a 4 year old school boy (Master Mikel) and it was seconded by Hon. Usman Murtala. Hon. Nwogu in leading the debate stated that the late boy was reported dead under suspicious circumstances which the school could not clarify. He expressed that there seems to be an alleged cover-up between the school and the police authorities. He called for a special Ad-Hoc committee to be constituted to investigate the issue and report back to the House within 4 weeks . The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the Ad-Hoc committee which would be chaired by Hon. Adamu Tanko.
7. Hon. Obed Shehu moved a motion on the need to address the effects of a recent flood disaster in Gombe state and it was seconded by Hon. Mukhtar Chawai. Hon. Shehu in leading the debate stated that the devastation caused by the storm on the affected communities were widespread and made so many affected infrastructure unfit for public use. He called on the federal government through its relevant agencies to come to the aid of the affected communities. Hon. Shehu then called on the National Emergency Management Agency as well as the Northeast Development Commission to come to the immediate aid of the affected victims. He further called on the House committee on Disaster Management as well as that on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Northeast Development Commission as well as that on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
8. Hon. Abubakar Nalaraba moved a motion on the need to intervene in the humanitarian crisis in some communities in Nasarawa state and it was seconded by Hon. Garba Mubi. Hon. Nalaraba in leading the debate stated that the storm ravaged several communities leaving in its wake a trail of destruction that led to loss of lives, injuries and destruction of social and business infrastructures and farmlands which led to a blackout in the region. He called on the Ministry on Humanitarian Affairs, Poverty Alleviation as well as the National Emergency Management Agency to come to the aid of the victims. He further called on the relevant committees of the House to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Emergency and Disaster Management.
9. Hon. Ismail Musa Modibo moved a motion on the need for the intervention of the federal government through the provision of a special security task force to compliment the existing security structure in communities of Niger state and it was seconded by Hon. Jafar Mohammad. Hon. Modibo in leading the debate stated that the need for the special task force is to ensure the cases of insecurity does not overwhelm or overrun the existing security structure. He bemoaned the growing indices of banditry attacks, kidnappings as well as cattle rustling in many communities along Shiroro region of the state. He stressed that the network of these bandits has widened and their activities have spread so wide that it threatens the very socioeconomic fiber of citizens of the region. Hon. Modibo stressed the need to establish the special task force to bring back confidence to the communities. He called on the national security agencies to ensure the security beef-up. He called on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide succor to the affected victims. He also called on the House committee on Defense and other relevant committees to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on Defense, National Security as well as that on Humanitarian Affairs.
10. Hon. Mohammed Muktar moved a motion on the urgent need to address the severe hardship suffered by overseas students as a direct result of the Federal Government’s inability to pay its part for stipends and some fees in its bilateral education scholarship agreement and it was seconded by Hon. Patrick Umoh. Hon. Muktar in leading the debate stated that the inability of government to meet up with its part of the agreement has caused severe hardship on the students as they can no longer afford the basic amenities of life. It has also caused the forceful eviction of some students from their living quarters. Hon. Muktar expressed that this neglect may lead these Nigerian students to stray into the pool of illegalities in order to survive and further dent the international image of Nigeria. He stated that this neglect is widespread to students in countries of Europe and Asia. He stressed the need to meet up to the agreement which aimed to ensure these students are duly equipped to take on and excel in an ever advancing world, for the development of Nigeria. Hon. Muktar called for the speedy resolution of the matter so that the students can focus on their study. He further called on the relevant committees of the House to ensure compliance and that this type of situation does not reoccur. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House committee on University, Polytechnic and all Tertiary Education committees.
11. Hon. Mansur Soro moved a motion on the need to suspend the implementation of the proposed National deduction of the electronic transfer funds that are meant to be channeled to the Office of the National Security Adviser and it was seconded by Hon. Felix Uche. Hon. Soro in leading the debate stated that the planned action, though with the aim of raising fund for government, is coming at a time when Nigerians are already overburdened. He also stressed that the Office of the National Security Adviser is a political one and not a revenue generation Agency. Hon. Soro called on the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Ministry of Finance to ensure due diligence and that proper Laws and guidelines are adhered to.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen called for the postponement of the motion till the next legislative day when more details on the issue are available to the House for a proper debate by Honorable members as it is a vital policy that affects the socioeconomic lives of Nigerians. The motion was then stepped down by leave of the House.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. National Council on Climate Change Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1176) (Hon. Adedayo Samuel Adesola & 6 others) – First Reading.
2. North East Development University, Kirfi, Bauchi State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1179) (Hon. Kabiru Yusuf Alhaji) – First Reading.
3. Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1188) (Hon. Daniel Asama Ago) – First Reading.
4. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1189) (Hon. Daniel Asama Ago) – First Reading.
5. National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, Babbar-Ruga, Katsina State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1190) (Hon. Shehu Dalhatu) – First Reading.
6. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1191) (Hon. Felix Uche Nwaeke) – First Reading.
7. Federal College of Agriculture and Vocational Studies, Ogbia, Bayelsa State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1192) (Hon. Mitema Obordor) – First Reading.
8. Nigerian Ports Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1196) (Hon. Daniel Asama Ago) – First Reading.
9. National Universities Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1202) (Hon. Chike John Okafor) – First Reading.
10. Nigerian Postal Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1204) (Hon. Daniel Asama Ago) – First Reading.
11. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1205) (Hon. Daniel Asama Ago) – First Reading.
12. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1206) (Hon. Daniel Asama Ago) – First Reading.
13. Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1207) (Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu) – First Reading.
14. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1212) (Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi) – First Reading.
15. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1214) (Hon. Solomon T. Bob) – First Reading.
16. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1215) (Hon. Solomon T. Bob) – First Reading.
17. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024(HB.1217) (Hon. Aminu Jamo Daura) – First Reading.
18. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1223) (Hon. Chike John Okafor) – First Reading.
19. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024(HB.1227) (Hon. Yusuf Galambi) – First Reading.
20. Central Bank of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1338) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
21. Court of Appeal Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1339) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
22. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024(HB.1341) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
23. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1342) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
24. Sheriffs and Civil Process Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1343) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
25. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1345) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
26. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1346) (Hon. Patrick Umoh) – First Reading.
27. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1349) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu & 12 others) – First Reading.
28. Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1371) (Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed) – First Reading.
29. National Safety Regulation Board (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1377) (Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Sulieman Abubakar Gumi) – First Reading.
30. Nigerian Railway Corporation Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1378) (Hon. Blessing Onuh and Hon. Francis E. Waive) – First Reading.
31. Nigerian Solid Minerals Communities Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1379) (Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri and Three Others) – First Reading.

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Adjournment:

The House at 13:08 PM adjourned plenary to Thursday, May 9th, 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 Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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