Plenary proceedings, House of Reps for Wed, March 19th, 2025

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu presided.

By admin , in Inside stories , at March 19, 2025 Tags: #LightRayMedia, #NASS, Ejiro Umukoro Publisher and Editor in Chief, House of Representatives, Investigative Journalism, Journalism, LightRay Media, Nigeria National Assembly

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

ANNOUNCEMENT:

The membership of the Ad-Hoc Committee on the utilization of 5% User Charge for Roads Maintenance under the Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act, 2007 was announced, and it is to be Chaired by Hon. Francis Waive.

PETITIONS:

Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against her husband on alleged criminal abuse, domestic violence and duping her of her properties.
Hon. Alphonsus Odudoh laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Corporate Affairs Commission on alleged discrimination in the promotion process within the Commission.
Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi laid 2 petitions on behalf of 2 different complainants:
I. The first is against First Bank on alleged failure to make payments of their retirement benefits.

II. The second is against an individual on alleged use of force to dislodge them from their residential abode.

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

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

Hon. Rabiu Garba moved a motion on the urgent need to deploy security personnel to curtail killings by terrorists in communities of Arewa local government area in Kebbi state and it was seconded by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi. Hon. Garba in leading the debate expressed great concern at the killings within the local government of Kebbi state especially during this Ramadan season. He stated that the killings by these groups have increased unabated and expressed concern that if not checked, the unrest could lead to socioeconomic instability and food insecurity as people are afraid to go about their legitimate duties. Hon. Garba called on the security agencies to deploy more personnel to the area and that the military should establish a base in the region. He further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief for the victims and that the House Committee on Army, Police, NEMA as well as that on Legislative Compliance should ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Army, Police, NEMA as well as that on Legislative Compliance.
Hon. John Dafa moved a motion on the urgent need for the Federal Government to intervene to stop the banditry and kidnappings in communities in Plateau state and it was seconded by Hon. David Agada. Hon. John in leading the debate stressed that the acts of insecurity in the region has reached maximum proportions. He stated that the communities being basically agrarian, the unrelenting attacks has caused the real and present threat of food insecurity as people are afraid of going to the farm. Hon. John called on the Chief of Defense Staff, the Inspector General of Police as well as other security and intelligence agencies to strengthen intelligence network and flush out the terrorists. He also called on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials to the victims.

Hon. Yusuf Gagdi in contributing to the debate stated that Plateau state is gradually being surrounded by bandits on all sides. Some of the terrorists he stated are escaping from other states and unleashing mayhem on Plateau residents. He reiterated the call on all security agencies to ensure peace is returned to the state. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Army, Defense, Police, National Security and Intelligence as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

Hon. Chris Nkwonta moved a motion on the kidnapping of Chief Lawson in a local government of Abia state and it was seconded by Hon. Akintunde Rotimi. Hon. Nkwonta in leading the debate stated that the kidnapping of individuals in Abia state has assumed alarming proportions. He observed that the incident is not isolated as prominent citizens are being kidnapped at will, even where there are security details present. He commended the efforts of the Abia state Governor as well as the Commissioner of Police, but called on the Inspector General of Police to deploy more personnel to the state and that the National Security Adviser should coordinate security systems to ensure a harmonized approach to solving the crisis. Hon. Nkwonta also called on the House Committee on Police Affairs to liaise with the relevant authorities to ensure normalcy is restored. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Police, National Security and Intelligence as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

ADMITTANCE INTO CHAMBER

Admittance into the Chamber:
Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere:
“That the House, pursuant to Order Six, Rule 4 (1) and (2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, do admit into the Chamber, the Hon. Richard Ngade Koon, Speaker, House of Representatives of Liberia, Hon. Nehker E. Gaye, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Foday E. Fahnbulleh, Chairman, Committee on Investment and Commission, Hon. Sapson Weah Co, Chair, Committee on Maritime of the House of Representatives of Liberia and Madam MacDella Cooper, Senior Political Advisor to the President of the Republic of Liberia for the purpose of observing the House Proceedings”.

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved the motion for the admittance of the dignitaries from Liberia and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB.2203) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen) – First Reading.
Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2025 (HB. 2195) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu & six others) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (HB. 2196) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu & six others) – First Reading.
Federal Universities of Technology Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 2197) (Hon. Oluwole Oke) – First Reading.
Digital Health Services (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 2198) (Hon. Esosa Iyawe) – First Reading.
Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB. HB. 2199) (Hon. Esosa Iyawe) – First Reading.
Transparency and Accountability in Public Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 2200) (Hon. Esosa Iyawe) – First Reading.
Bureau for Insurance of Government Assets (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 2201) (Hon. Ahmad Usman Jaha) – First Reading.
Ride-Hailing and Smart Mobility Bill, 2025 (HB.2204) (Hon. Esosa Iyawe) – First Reading.
Witness Protection and Management Bill, 2025 (HB.2205) (Hon. Prince Akiolu Moshood Kayode) – First Reading.
Climate Resilient Commerce Bill, 2025 (HB.2206) (Hon. Ahmed Munir) – First Reading.
National Sickle Cell Institution (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2207) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Ahmad Munir) – First Reading.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2025 (to Address some intricacies embedded in the Nigeria Constitution) (HB.2208) (Hon. Chinedu N. Ogah) – First Reading.
National Rice Agricultural Innovation Research Training Institute, Ikwo (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2209) (Hon. Chinedu N. Ogah) – First Reading.
National Security and Community Policing Bill, 2025 (HB.2210) (Hon. Chinedu N. Ogah) – First Reading.
Public Health Infrastructure and Enhancement Bill, 2025 (HB.2211) (Hon. Chinedu N. Ogah) – First Reading.
National Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2212) (Hon. Chinedu N. Ogah) – First Reading.
Psychotherapeutic and Counselling Research Institute Bill, 2025 (HB.2213) (Hon. Midala Usman Balami) – First Reading.

PRESENTATION OF REPORT

Committee on TETFUND and Other Services:
Hon. Mariam Odinaka Onuoha:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on TETFUND and Other Services on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act, 2011 to Provide for Additional Conditions for Assessing the Funds for Capital Projects by Beneficiary Institutions and for Related Matters (HB.02) (Referred: 27/11/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Miriam Onuoha and seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu.

ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS

A Bill for an Act to Amend Federal Colleges of Education Act No. 43, 2023, to Establish Federal College
of Education Zaria, Kaduna State and for Related Matters (HB. 2118) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Makki Abubakar Yalleman) – Second Reading.

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

A Bill for an Act to Domesticate the “Domestic Workers Bill of Rights” in Nigeria, Establishing Minimum Employment Standards, Ensuring the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers, and for Related Matters (HB.1765) (Hon. Akin Alabi) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Akin Alabi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Chike Okafor. Hon. Alabi in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to set labor standards for domestic workers and protect them from exploitation at the hands of their employers. He stated that it is a Legislative responsibility to domesticate the Geneva treaty on this issue by passing the Bill into Law. Hon. Alabi also hinged his debate on the moral compass of the Bill to protect domestic workers from living and working in exploitative conditions that could be akin to domestic slavery. He urged Honorable Members to support it.

Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi in his contribution appreciated Hon. Alabi for being forthright with the Bill to ensure culture does not conflict with Law as it is now practiced. He stated that some of these cultures permit the use of children for labor which is against relevant Laws like the Child’s Rights Act. He called on Honorable Members to support the Bill for the preservation of the dignity in labor.

The presiding Deputy Speaker expressed joy at the use of Parliamentary tools to uphold the rights of those looked on as voiceless. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Labor, Employment and Productivity.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish Federal College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi, Kwara State and for Related Matters (HB.953) (Hon. Ahmed Adam Saba) – Second Reading.

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

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Armed Forces Act, Cap. A20, Laws of the Federal of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.1949) (Hon. Rufus Ojuawo Adeniyi and three others) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Rufus Adeniyi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abbas Adigun. Hon. Adeniyi in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks the unified command structure of the Nigerian Military under a democratic structure. It also seeks to amend parts 1-10 of the Principal Act to structure the military force and streamline its services as well as ensure harmonization of its operations. This he stated is important especially within the theater of war, also especially in areas of long term conflict. Hon. Adeniyi stated that this will also ensure the right application of military policies and safeguard the structure and chain of command. He stated that this is essential as it is in tandem with what is currently operated internationally.

Hon. Babajimi Benson in his contribution commended the spirit of the Bill for seeking to bring the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces in tandem with what is obtainable worldwide. The Bill he stated seeks to cure ambiguity in leadership of joint military operations. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Defense.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Universities of Technology Act, Cap. F23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Establish Federal Universities of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State and Babura, Jigawa State 2004 and for Related Matters (HB.1901) (Hon. Uduak Alphonus Odudoh) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Uduak Odudoh moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Shehu. Hon. Uduak in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to give the Institution a legal status and so that it and its employees as well as its students can benefit from the existing educational structure and opportunities. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on University Education.

A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish Federal College of Education, Onicha Olonu, Delta State and for Related Matters (HB. 1303) (Hon. Ngozi Lawrence Okoile) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Ngozi Okolie moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Ahmed Satomi. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education.

A Bill for An Act to Amend the Federal Universities of Technology Act, CAP.F23 Laws of the Federation, 2004 to Establish Federal University of Technology, Etche, Rivers State and for Related Matters, 2025. (HB.657) (Hon. Kelechi Nwogu) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Kelechi Nwogu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Jafaru Yakubu. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on University Education.

A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition, Bunza, Kebbi State to provide Full–Time Courses, Teaching, Instructions and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management and for Related Matters (HB.1623) (Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Adedayo Adesola. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Alternative Education.

MOTIONS

Reconsideration of Outstanding Bills from Preceding Assembly:
Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive:

(i) National Youth Development Commission Bill, 2023 (HB. 119);
(ii) Federal University of Education, Numan, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2025(HB.936);
(iii) Federal University of Technology, Asaba, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2023(HB.903);
(iv) Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan Bill, 2023 (HB.1264);
(v) Environmental Health (Control) Bill, 2025 (HB.1265);
(vi) FCT Health Insurance Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.1477);
(vii) FCT Signage and Advertisement Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.1479);
(viii) Nigerian Independent Warehouse Regulatory Agency (Establishment) Bill (HB.1480); and
(ix) FCT Transport Authority (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.1552).

The House:

Notes that pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 17 (a), (b), (c) & (d) of the Standing Orders, the House may, upon being re-gazetted or circulated, reconsider in the Committee of the Whole, without commencing de-novo, the Bill(s)–

(a) whose report was presented by the Committee before consideration;
(b) passed by the House and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence for which no concurrence was made or negative;
(c) passed by the Senate and forwarded to the House for which no concurrence was made or negative; or;
(d) passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding therefore was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the preceding Assembly.

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 read for the first time as HBs. 119, 936, 903,1264, 1265, 1477, 1497, 1480 and 1552 respectively;

Resolves to:

re-commit the Bills to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

Debate
Hon. Bello Ambarura moved the motion on the reconsideration of outstanding Bills from preceding Assembly and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

Investigation on use of Conditional Cash Transfer Fund:
Hon. Abass Adigun:

The House:

Notes that the Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with the World Bank developed a Social Safety Nets Programme for Nigeria in September 2016, the National Cash Transfer Office is responsible for the implementation of the Household Uplifting Programme-Conditional Cash Transfers that caters for poor and vulnerable households across the country;

Aware that the Programme was conceived as part of the Federal Government’s larger growth and social inclusion strategies aimed at addressing key social concerns in the country;

Cognizant that in order to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the Programme in August 2024, nominees for the Programme were informed that they will be paid the sum of N 50,000 (fifty thousand naira) each for three months, the details of the nominees were filled online in the portal dedicated to the Programme and thereafter submitted to the National Cash Transfer Office;

Also cognizant that the payment was to be made directly to the nominees’ bank accounts nationwide and was aimed at cushioning the effect of the economic hardship of the nominees, who are mostly the poor and vulnerable;

Worried that some nominees received payment months after information’s were completed and submitted to the portal, while others nominees have not, and that the National Cash Transfer Office has not responded to the payment of other nominees to date;

Resolves to:

Set up an Ad–hoc Committee to investigate the delay in the payments to other nominees of the Household Upliftment Programme Conditional Cash Transfer of the Federal Government of Nigeria and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Abass Adigun moved the motion on the investigation on the use of conditional cash transfer fund and it was seconded by Hon. Billy Osawaru who also proposed an amendment calling for the motion to be referred to the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, instead of the proposed Ad-Hoc Committee.

Hon. Victor Nwokolo also roposed an amendment to incorporate the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs to the referral. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation as well as that on Humanitarian Affairs.

Need to Restore the Twelve (12) Suppressed State Constituencies in Kogi State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC):
Hon. Salman Idris Hon. Ali Abdullahi Ibrahim Hon. Leke Abejide
Hon. Abdulanakeek A. Danga Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem Hon. Haruna Gowon Paul Hon. Zacharias David Idris Hon. Aguye Suleiman Danladi Hon. Ozigi Muhammed Tijani:

The House:

Notes that Section 112 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) vested in the Independent National Electoral Commission the power to divide every state in the Federation into such a number of State Constituencies within the State;

Also notes that Section 91 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that “a House of Assembly of a State shall consist of three or four times the number of seats that that State has in the House of Representatives divided in a way to reflect, as far as possible, nearly equal population;

Further notes that Section 114(1) provides for periodic review of State Constituencies not less than 10 years and may alter such Constituencies to such an extent as it may consider durable in the light of the review;

Aware that the Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections that were held on the 14 December 1991, Kogi State had 32 State Constituencies in which elections were duly conducted and winners declared;

Also aware that Kogi State, which has nine (9) seats in the House of Representatives, is supposed to have at least 27 or 36 House of Assembly seats as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended);

Cognizant that the last review of State Constituencies in Nigeria by INEC was in 1998, which resulted in the suppression of some Constituencies in the Kogi State House of Assembly seats.

Concerned that from 1998 to date, the Independent National Electoral Commission has continued to suppress the Kogi State House of Assembly Seats in Constituencies such as Kabba-Bunu II, Ijumu II, Koton Karfe I, Yagba West II, Adavi II, Iffe/Ogodu, Igala Ogba, Okura, Enjema, Dekina Town, Olamaboro II, and Bassa-Nge/Gbirra;

Worried that the essence of participatory democracy is to ensure inclusive governance aimed at bringing a balanced development through quality representation, Kogi State has remained under-represented as a result of this unconstitutional gross suppression of the number of seats in the Kogi State House of Assembly;

Also worried that the Independent National Electoral Commission has continued to act in ultra vires due to the exclusion of the above-mentioned constituencies;

Convinced that the restoration of the suppressed Constituencies in Kogi State will further deepen our democracy in terms of quality representation and grassroots development and promote equality;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore Kabba-Bunu II, Ijumu II, Koton Karfe I, Yagba West I, Adavi II, Iffe/Ogodu, Igala Ogba, Okura, Enjema, Dekina Town, Olamaboro II, and Bassa-Nge/Igbirra Sate Constituencies; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Electoral Matters to interface with the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission on the matter and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Salman Idris moved the motion on the need to restore the twelve (suppressed) state constituencies in Kogi state by the Independent National Electoral Commission and it was seconded by Hon. Hassan Shinkafi. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters.

Need to Support Security Agencies in the Federal Capital Territory with Patrol Vehicles and Gadgets to enhance Security Services within the FCT:
Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika:

The House:

Notes that there have been increasing security challenges in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which is the capital of Nigeria, hosting the heads of the executive, legislature, judiciary, and diplomats as well as their aides and family members;

Aware that Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) declared the provision of security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government;

also aware that Section 299(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) vested legislative powers of the FCT in the National Assembly, which calls for a passionate appeal for intervention by the House to support the provision of adequate security services within the FCT and makes it necessary that the House of Representatives should identify by making this kind of gesture by giving a visible contribution;

Disturbed that the 2024 scorecard of the FCT Police Command showed one thousand and seventy-seven (1,077) suspected criminals were arrested within the FCT out of one thousand four hundred and twenty-six (1,426) cases reported, with one hundred and forty (140) lives of police officers lost in the line of duty;
Worried that recently, the FCT Police Command has identified about seventeen (17) criminal black spots in the FCT, which include the diplomatic zone, the new PDP Secretariat, Gwarimpa, Angwan Tivi, Mpape, Mabushi, and Maitama;

Also worried that the lack of adequate security patrol vehicles and gadgets in criminal black spots within the FCT has led to an increase in armed robbery, targeted attacks, assassination, kidnapping, and terrorism;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to support the security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory with patrol vehicles and security gadgets to enhance the provision of adequate security services within the Federal Capital Territory; and

(ii) mandate the Committee on National Security and Intelligence to ensure compliance.

Debate
Hon. Joshua Obika moved the motion on the need to support security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory with patrol vehicles and gadgets to enhance security services within the FCT and it was seconded by Hon. Adefiranye Festus . The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

Restoration of Suppressed Sapele II, State Assembly Constituency of Delta State:
Hon. Benedict O. Etanabene:

The House:

Notes that in 1991, the defunct National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON) delineated Delta State into 38 State Assembly Constituencies in line with Sections 85, 104, 105, 106, and 107 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1979, which was almost imperia materia with Sections 91, 112, 113, 114, and 115 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended);

Also notes that during the 1991 general elections, elections were conducted in those 38 State Assembly Constituencies, including Sapele II, State Assembly Constituency, which were ably represented in the Delta State House of Assembly by Hon. M. Ayamagbatse. Though their tenure was short-lived, this State Assembly’s constituency delineation arrangement operated until 1998;

Further notes that upon the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 1998, which replaced the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), the Independent National Electoral Commission suppressed some State Assembly Constituencies, among is Sapele II State Assembly Constituency;

Aware that in 2013, the people of the Sapele II State Assembly Constituency ably represented by Dr. Olorogun Ebenezer Okorodudu, Hon. Jerry Eruvwedede, Chief Ejaife Odebala, Chief Westham Adehor and Mr. Eric Ojirhomu instituted a legal action at the Federal High Court Warri in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/171/2013: Dr. Olorogun Ebenezer Okorodudu & 4 Ors vs. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking the restoration of the Sapele II State Assembly Constituency;

Also aware that the judgment of the Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/171/2013 delivered by Hon. Justice Shittu Abubakar on the 6 March, 2015 restored the Sapele II State Assembly Constituency, and the Court in clear terms mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct an election in the restored Sapele II Assembly Constituency for the purpose of electing a representative of the people of the Constituency into the Delta State House of Assembly in the 11 April, 2015 general elections, but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed, neglected, and refused to obey the Court Order;

Further aware that in preparation of the 2019 general elections, the same plaintiffs filed a Mandamus Proceedings in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/114/2018: Dr. Olorogun Ebenezer Okorodudu & 4 others vs. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu & Anor, where Hon. Justice Nwite, in allowing the application on the 18 April 2018, gave the following clear order:

“I hereby make an Order of Mandamus compelling the defendants/respondents jointly and severally to perform their legal duty to conduct an election in the restored Sapele II State Assembly Constituency for the purpose of electing a representative of the people of the constituency into the Delta State House of Assembly in the next general election in the country from the date of this judgment.”

Worried that the order was not obeyed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for both the 2019 and the 2023 general elections;

Observed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in 2022 against the Federal High Court judgments in Suit No: CA/AS/46M/2022 but failed to pursue the appeal, and was accordingly struck out by the Court of Appeal on the 7 May, 2024;

Cognizant that the provision of Sections 91, 112, 113, 114, and 115 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) makes it mandatory for Delta State to have a minimum of 30 State Assembly Constituencies, but the State currently has 29 State Assembly Constituencies, which is below the minimum, despite this fact, the Independent National Electoral Commission bluntly refused to implement the court judgments that restored the Sapele II State Assembly Constituency;

Concerned that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s continud refusal to comply with court judgments restoring the Sapele II State Assembly Constituency undermines the rule of law and deprives the people of proper representation;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to, urgently, restore Sapele II State Assembly Constituency of Delta State to comply with the judgment of the Federal High Court and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended); and

(ii) mandate the Committee on Electoral Matters to ensure implementation.

Debate
Hon. Benedict Etanabene moved the motion on the restoration of suppressed Sapele II, State Assembly constituency of Delta state and it was seconded by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

Need for the National Assembly Service Commission to Recognize and Utilize Federal Universities Diploma Certificates from 2000 to Date:
Hon. Muhammed Danbaba Shehu:

The House:

Notes that Education is a critical sector necessary for human transformative development, enhancing manpower growth, especially in developing countries like Nigeria;

Aware that despite educational challenges, the exceptionally hardworking staff of the National Assembly Service consistently strive for improvement in public service delivery by obtaining diploma certificates, requiring appreciation and acceptance for upgrading, proper placement, promotion, conversion, and advancement;

Worried that staff who obtained Federal Universities Diploma certificates from 2000 to 2010 have attended a wide range of courses like Diploma in Public Administration, Law, English, Parliamentary Administration, Legislative Studies, Business Administration, Economics, Public Relations, Sociology, Banking and Finance, Auditing, Political Science, and other social sciences, which are required in the parliament in line with the world-class standard;

Also worried that the National Assembly Service Commission’s refusal to accept the Federal Universities Diploma Certificate is hindering staff productivity, service delivery, creativity, and job satisfaction, which requires legislative intervention.

Cognizant of the need for the National Assembly Service Commission to immediately commence the acceptance and utilization of Federal Universities Diploma Certificates of the aforementioned courses from 2000 to date without further delay to encourage parliamentary productivity;

Convinced that if Federal Universities Diploma Certificates are recognized, it will encourage and motivate the affected staff to improve legislative productivity and service delivery in the National Assembly, while encouraging them to advance educationally;

Resolves to:

(i) mandate the Committee on Public Service Matters to invite the Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission and the Commissioners to deliberate on the non-acceptance and utilization and ascertain the delay in accepting and utilizing Federal Universities Diploma Certificates in the National Assembly Service Commission;

(ii) also mandate the National Assembly Service Commission to immediately commence the acceptance and utilization of Federal Universities Diploma Statement of Result Certificates for upgrading, proper placement, conversion, promotion advancement and upgrade the affected staff who studied and obtained the aforementioned Federal Universities Diploma Certificates from 2000 to date for better service delivery;

(iii) further the mandate of the Committees on Public Service Matters and Legislative Compliance is to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Hon. Muhammed Shehu moved the motion on the need for the National Assembly Service Commission to recognize and utilize Federal Universities Diploma Certificates from 2000 to Date and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Missau.

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere in his contribution identified with the mover of the motion, but stressed that the courses of some graduates, especially from some private polytechnics may not be relevant to the work to be done by Legislative aides. He proposed an amendment to the prayers to incorporate the other relevant Education Committees of the House to ensure the prayers of the motion is critically dealt with.

Hon. Agbedi Frederick also proposed an amendment to delete prayer 2 of the prayer and let the relevant Committees of the House do the required investigative job, before reporting back to the House for further Legislative action. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Public Service Matters, Legislative Compliance as well as those relevant to the issuance of such certifications.

House Adjournment:
The House at 13:38 adjourned plenary to Thursday, March 20th, 2025 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.