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The National Assembly Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Wed, Feb 19th, 2025

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen presided.

By admin , in Inside stories , at February 19, 2025 Tags: , , , , ,

After the recitation of the First stanza of the National Anthem, the National Pledge and opening prayer, the Speaker approved the second votes and proceedings of Tuesday, February 18th, 2025

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  1. The constitution of the Ad-Hoc Committee to handle the referral of the motion sponsored by Hon. Bamidele Salam to look into the reasons behind the crisis in Osun state was announced and it is to be Chaired by Hon. Idris Ahmed. The Ad-Hoc Committee has been given 1 week to report back to the House on its findings for further Legislative action.
  2. All Honorable Members are advised to participate in the rescheduled Public Hearing on the Tax Reform Bills which is now to hold from Tuesday, February 25th to Thursday, February 27th 2025. The rescheduled and expanded dates is to allow for broader participation by all relevant and willing stakeholders.
  3. Honorable Members of the Expanded Committee on the Tax Reform Bills are to meet on Monday, February 24th, 2025 by 14:00. The meeting is to help prepare for the all important Public Hearing on the Bills.
  4. In line with the rescheduled Public Hearing of the Tax Reform Bills now to commence on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, the Valedictory Session for Honorable Members of the 10th House of Representatives who have passed on, earlier scheduled for the same date (Tuesday, February 25th, 2025), has now been postponed to a date to be communicated to Honorable Members shortly.

PETITIONS:

  1. Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei laid a petition on behalf of some complainants against an oil company in their community on alleged disregard of its civic responsibilities to the community.
  2. A petition was laid on behalf of a complainant calling for immediate intervention of the House on alleged unlawful dismissal from service.

The 2 petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

  1. Hon. Victor Ogene moved a motion on the need for the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to exercise caution against cutting down businesses of innocent business owners in drug markets and it was seconded by Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi. Hon. Ogene in leading the debate stated that NAFDAC carried out series of operations nationwide and sealed off many of such shops. He applauded the aim of ridding Nigeria of fake and illegal drugs and substandard foods by NAFDAC as the reason for the recent operations. He however echoed the worry expressed by many traders who have fallen victims of the sudden raids and closures as they were not allowed to take their cash sales, nor be able to defend themselves on the nature of their goods being seized. Hon. Ogene called on the House Committee on NAFDAC to ensure transparency and the rule of Law governing such line of operations while being carried out is strictly adhered to.

An amendment was proposed to expunge prayer 1 of the motion. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on NAFDAC.

  1. Hon. Bamidele Salam moved a motion on the need to maintain peace, order and the rule of Law in Osun state as a result of recent developments which has led to the death of about 6 persons and the injury of many more people and it was seconded by Hon. Adedeji Olajide. Hon. Bamidele in leading the debate stressed the need for the restoration of peace in the region as the escalating violence that erupted as a result of the attempt to take over the Local Government due to a court ruling on the result of elections has wrecked untold havoc to the normalcy in the state. He stated that the state Governor had already made a public call for calmness. Hon. Bamidele stated that unless urgent actions are taken by security agencies, the factions may result to self help thereby escalating the violence. He called on the Nigeria Police as well as the Department of State Security to deploy personnel to the area to maintain normalcy and restore order to all local governments in the state. He also called on the Attorney General to ensure the true position of the Law is known by all parties and to urge any grievances to be addressed in the Courts of Law.

Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka proposed an amendment to delete prayers 1 and 3, and sustain only prayers 2 and 4, plus a call for a thorough investigation by an Ad-Hoc Committee of the House, so that the House can make informed resolutions. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the soon to be set up Ad-Hoc Committee (1st Announcement).

  1. Hon. Saidu Abdullahi moved a motion on the need to prevent the further incessant parking of petroleum laden tankers in Bidda, Niger state that has the potency of leading to harmful emissions and the breakdown of Law and Order and it was seconded by Hon. Alfred Iliya. Hon. Saidu in leading the debate stated that the motion is as a result of the loud outcry by residents of Bidda who have become afraid of the possible reoccurrence of a tanker explosion in Niger state. He pointed out the dangers posed by these parking of tankers along the roads which can lead to gridlock, fuel emissions, risk to life, health and the environment. Hon. Saidu expressed concern that failure to act swiftly can lead to further loss of life as well as to tension among residents. He called on the Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as well as the Petroleum Downstream Administration to sensitize the tanker drivers on the hazards of indiscriminate parking. He further called on the Ministry of Works as well as the Ministry of Transportation to construct better parking structure for such tankers. Hon. Saidu called on the House Committee on Works, FRSC, Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works, FRSC, Petroleum Resources (Downstream) as well as that on Special Duties.
  2. Hon. Danladi Suleiman moved a motion on the need to intervene on the constant spate of accidents within the Lokoja road axis and it was seconded by Hon. Unyime Idem. Hon. Danladi in leading the debate stressed the vital importance of the Lokoja road connecting various regions of the nation. He stated that within 2025 alone, over 20 accidents have occurred on the road leaving many dead and many more injured. Hon. Danladi bemoaned the recent death of school students that lost their lives in an accident causing the town to erupt into mourning and chaos at the needless loss of such promising lives. He stated that neglect and over speeding on the part of drivers, especially tanker drivers is the main cause of these accidents. He called on the Federal Ministry of Works and Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to construct speed-breakers and pedestrian flyovers for pedestrians. He also called for the ban of trucks plying the road after 22:00 and that the House Committee on Works, FERMA as well as that on Land Transport should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works, FERMA as well as that on Land Transport.

MATTER OF PRIVILEGE:

  1. Hon. Chinedu Ogah rose under a matter of Privilege and stated that he, as a duly elected Honorable Member carrying out his constitutional duties of sponsoring Bills and Motions for the orderly and good governance of Nigeria has had his privilege breached. He had sponsored a Bill that had gone through the system right to the Third reading stage and transmitted to the Senate for concurrence. But till now, nothing has been heard on the progress of the Bill. He wondered why the House always duly concurs with Bills from the Senate while some sponsored from the House of Representatives are dumped in the Senate without attention given to them, or actions taken on them by the Senate. He called on the leadership of the House to address the grievance as a matter of urgency. The Presiding Speaker stated that the Clerk of the House will meet with his counterpart in the Senate and resolve all such pending issues.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
 

  1. Committee on Health Institutions:
    Hon.  Patrick Umoh:
    “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Orile, Lagos State and for Related Matters (HB. 1356)” (Referred: 30/10/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Patrick Umoh and seconded by Hon. Dickson Tachi.
 
 

  1. Committee on Health Institutions:
    Hon.  Patrick Umoh:
    “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eket, Akwa Ibom State and for Related Matters (HB. 363)” (Referred: 22/10/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Patrick Umoh and seconded by Hon. Dickson Tachi.

ORDERS OF THE DAY
 
BILLS
 

  1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Assembly Service Act (No. 63) 2014 and Enact the National Assembly Service Act, 2025 to provide for a clear Administrative Structure for the National Assembly Service, outlining the Qualifications for the Appointment of Clerks, Heads of Directorates of the National Assembly and the Secretary to the Commission, enhance Professionalism and Accountability within the National Assembly’s Administrative Framework and for Related Matters (HB.2056) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Marcus Onobun) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Marcus Onobun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Jeremiah Umaru. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Public Service Matters.

  1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Insurance Act, Cap. I 17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; the Marine Insurance Act, Cap. M3 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; the Motor Vehicle (Third Party) Insurance Act, Cap. M22, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria, Act, Cap. N54, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; the Nigerian Reinsurance Corporation Act, Cap. N131, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2004 to Provide for a Comprehensive Legal and Regulatory Framework for Insurance Business in Nigeria and for Related matters (SB. 393) (Senate) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Abdullahi Halims moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Bamidele Salam. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

  1. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Provide for Establishment of an Electoral Offences Tribunal and ensure that all electoral matters are determined before swearing–in of the Elected Office Holders and for Related Matters (HB.1290) (Hon. Bamidele Salam) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Bamidele Salam moved for the second reading of the Bill but before it could be seconded; Hon. Mansur Soro rose on a Point of Order that he has a similar Bill before the House so it should be stepped down for sorting out.

Hon. Francis Waive as the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business stated that the Bills will indeed be looked at and it will be determined if they will be consolidated or Hon. Bamidele Salam will be asked to step down his Bill.

The Presiding Speaker stated that there is the need for thorough scrutiny of the subject matters of the 2 Bills so that the House progresses in guided projection and not erroneously. The Bill was then stepped down to the next legislative date for further investigation.

  1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, National Assembly Abuja and for Related matters (HB. 513) (Hon. Mohammed Bello Shehu) – Second Reading.

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

  1. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Farm Settlements Agency to Promote Agricultural Development, ensure Food Security and Foster Economic Growth by Creating Agro-Allied Industrial Processing Zones, with a view to facilitate value addition in the Agricultural Sector and Promote Agribusiness Opportunities in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.1347) (Hon. Maruf Afolabi Afuape) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Maruf Afuape moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services.

  1. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999  to make Provision for Diaspora Voting and for Related Matters (HB.1396) (Hon. Tochukwu Okere) – Second Reading.

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

MOTIONS
 

  1. Resurgence of banditry Attacks in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State:
    Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi:
     
    The House:
     
    Notes that the level of insecurity as a result of banditry in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State has increased;
     
    Aware that on 21 January 2025, bandits attacked Gwashi in Bukkuyum Local Government Area and burnt two military vehicles, similarly on19 January 2025, bandits killed a young man and abducted seven persons in Nasarawa Burkullu and on 16 January  2025, abducted 29 women and 8 men in Kamaru village all in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State;
     
    Also aware that on 9, January 2025, two (2) Community Protection Guards (CPG) were killed along Gurusu/Nasarawa Burkullu road when they were ambushed by bandits, on 6, January 2025, dozens of bandits/terrorists in three subgroups rode on motorcycles and sporadically shot and attacked Gana district in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, abducting fifty (50) civilians (mostly old men, women, and children), killing, maiming many and looted foodstuffs, cattle, and cows before setting the district ablaze;
     
    Informed that seven months prior to the January 6, 2025 attack, residents of Gana district in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State signed a peace deal with the armed group, paying millions of naira as a protection levy to enable them cultivate their farms:
     
    Further aware that the bandits hid in the forest between Bukkuyum and Anka Local Government Areas and launched a deadly attack on Adabka district in Bukkuyum Local Government Area weeks before the 6 January 2025 attack on Gana district, though the Joint Task Force lost personnel in the attack, but were able to repel the rampaging bandits;
     
    Observes that due to the far distance of the military bases, Yashi, Ruwan Jema, and Kyaram wards in Bukkuyum Local Government Area are consistently attacked by bandits, thus, leading to the displacement of persons;
     
    Concerned that due to lack of adequate military hardware, such as armoured personnel carriers (APCs) at the existing military bases in the area, bandits are having a field day perpetrating their dastardly act of killing, maiming and kidnapping;
     
    Also concerned that due to the absence of military posts on Mayanchi–Junction–Gurusu–Gummi road, travellers on the road are currently at the mercy of bandits occupying the entire stretch of the road;
     
    Believes that the establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) by the Military in Yashi, Ruwan Jema, and Kyaram wards in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and equipping the Mopol Unit in Adabka district with sophisticated military hardware such as armoured personnel carriers (APCs), will make a significant difference in curbing banditry in all the communities in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, thereby ensuring adequate protection of lives and properties;
     
    Resolves to:
     
    (i) urge the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to provide relief materials to the displaced persons in the affected areas in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State;
     
    (ii) also urge the Chiefs of Defence and Army Staff to urgently set up Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Yashi, Ruwan Jema and Kyaram wards in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State to curb banditry in the Area and enhance adequate security of lives and properties;
     
    (iii) commend the military for intensifying efforts towards curbing banditry in Zamfara State, the North West region, and the country in general;
     
    (iv) mandate the Committees on Defence, Army, Emergency, and Disaster Preparedness and Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees (IDPs) to ensure compliance.

Debate
Hon. Sulaiman Gumi moved the motion on the resurgence of banditry attacks in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State and it was seconded by Hon. Hussaini Jalo. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Defense, Army, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness as well as that on Humanitarian Affairs.

  1. Need to Appoint Additional Mandate Secretaries in the Federal Capital Territory for Adequate Representation of Area Councils in the Territory:
    Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika:
     
    The House:
     
    Notes that Mandate Secretaries are high-level Administrative Officials appointed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to oversee specific areas of governance within the Federal Capital Territory such as the Ministers in the Federal Executive Council and Commissioners in the State Executive Council;
     
    Also notes that Section 299 (1) (b) of the  Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 provides that the Federal Capital Territory Abuja shall be treated as one of the States of the Federation for the purpose of participation in the nation’s economic, political and social activities;
     
    Aware that the President, through the Federal Capital Territory Minister, appoints Mandate Secretaries for the administration of the Federal Capital Territory, these appointments were made to reflect the geopolitical zones of the country only;
     
    Also aware that the Federal Executive Council and the State Executive Council have State and Local Government Representation respectively in their cabinets which became necessary for Federal Capital Territory to be treated as if it were a State and should have Area Council Committee Representatives in the Federal Capital Territory;
     
    Concerned that the current number of Mandate Secretaries may not be sufficient to meet the growing administrative tasks and governance needs of the rapidly expanding Federal Capital Territory population and development as well as give a sense of inclusivity to the people of the Federal Capital Territory;
     
    Cognizant that additional Mandate Secretaries will enhance good governance, service delivery and adequate representation of Federal Capital Territory’s people in policy coordination and implementation at the grassroots;
     
    Resolves to:
     
    (i) urge the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to appoint at least six additional Mandate Secretaries to enhance good governance and effective service delivery within the Federal Capital Territory;
     
    (ii) also urge the President to appoint additional Mandate Secretaries from each of the Area Councils, the appointees must be a resident with  in-depth knowledge of the Area Council he/she represents to ensure adequate representation of the Area Councils and effective administration of the Federal Capital Territory;
     
    (iii) mandate the Committee on Federal Capital Territory to ensure compliance.

Debate
Hon. Joshua Obika moved the motion on the need to appoint additional Mandate Secretaries in the Federal Capital Territory for adequate representation of Area Councils in the Territory and it was seconded by Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Federal Capital Territory.

  1. Need to Include Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the Amnesty Program:
    Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi:
     
    The House:
     
    Notes that the Amnesty Program was established to address the grievances and reintegrate Ex-militants from the Niger Delta region into society;
     
    Also notes that Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in Delta State consists of three Local Government Areas, namely Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani, all of which are oil-producing regions;
     
    Further notes that these Communities host Multinational Oil Companies such as the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO), Pillar Oil, Platform Oil Limited;
     
    Concerned that the exclusion of Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency from the Amnesty Program is causing growing frustrations among the local population, potentially leading to severe social and economic unrest.;
     
    Worried that the Amnesty Program’s inadequacy in providing support and rehabilitation opportunities to former militants and restive youths is causing a cycle of violence and poverty;
     
    Also worried that the absence of federal intervention in these areas undermines efforts to establish lasting peace and security in the region;
     
    Cognizant that the Inclusion of Ndokwa/Ukwuani in the Amnesty Program would aid in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, promoting peace, equity, fairness, and development in the region;
     
    Resolves to:
     
    (i) urge the Ministry of Regional Development  Affairs to prioritize developmental projects and vocational training programs in Ndokwa/Ukwuani to provide sustainable livelihoods, reduce youth restiveness, and promote peace and stability in the region;
     
    (ii) also urge the Federal Government to immediately include Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the Amnesty Program to address the grievances of the affected youths and ensure equitable treatment;
     
    (iii) also urge the Presidential Amnesty Office to conduct a thorough assessment of the situation in Ndokwa/Ukwuani to facilitate its inclusion; and
     
    (iv) mandate the Committees on Niger Delta Ministry and Host Communities to engage with community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders in Ndokwa/Ukwuani to ensure a smooth and effective integration into the Amnesty Program.

Debate
Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi moved the motion on the need to include Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the Amnesty Program and it was seconded by Hon. Billy Osawaru. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Regional Development as well as that on Host Communities.

Hon. Abdullahi Halims moved a motion for the House to suspend its relevant rules in order to allow it adopt the votes and proceedings of the day and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

House Adjournment:
The House at 13:23 adjourned plenary to Thursday, February 20th, 2025 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 Madaki.

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

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