Plenary proceedings: House of Reps, Wed, October 2nd, 2024

After the recitation of the National Anthem, the opening prayer and the recitation of the National pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Thursday, September 26th, 2024.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. DEFECTION OF AN HONOURABLE MEMBER:
   (I) Hon. Chris Nkwonta (Abia), moved from the PDP to the APC.
2. Leadership of some Committees of the House were announced to fill available vacancies.

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PETITIONS:

1. Hon. Patrick Umoh laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Nigeria Police Force on its alleged non compliance to a court order.
2. Hon. Dekeri Anamero laid a petition on behalf of the Benin National Congress on the alleged segregation of their people in some activities and benefits in Edo state.

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

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Shettima Ali moved a motion on the incessant attacks on high tension towers with 33KVA lines in parts of Borno and Yobe states and it was seconded by Hon. Khadija Ibrahim. Hon. Shettima in leading the debate stated that these attacks are reoccurring and the security measures put in place by the Yobe state Governor have not hindered the attacks. He expressed worry at the adverse effects these attacks will continue to have on the socioeconomic wellbeing and development of the affected people.

Hon. Shettima called on the relevant security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attacks by these vandals. He also called for more proactive/protective measures to ensure the safety of such critical infrastructure in the future. He further called on the House Committee on Power to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Power.

2. Hon. Abdul’Samad Dasuki moved a motion on the devastation caused by flood in some communities in Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal constituency where he represents in Sokoto state and it was seconded by Hon. Ali Isa. Hon. Dasuki in leading the debate expressed worry at the lingering suffering of the affected victims due to the severe flooding that has also destroyed an important bridge within the community. He stated that the destruction has led to lowered socioeconomic activities in the markets.

He called for medical and aid/relief as well as infrastructural rehabilitation in the area. Hon. Dasuki called on the National Emergency Management Agency, the Ministry of Works and that on Water Resources to ensure relief and medical supplies are sent to the victims and repairs are also duly carried out. He called on the House Committee on Works as well as that on Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Works as well as that on Water Resources.

3. Hon. Philip Agbese moved a motion on the inappropriate view that the House of Representatives is inferior in any way to the Senate and it was seconded by Hon. Abubakar Yalleman. Hon. Agbese in leading the debate termed as misleading the thought that the House of Representatives is in any way inferior to the Senate, according to Section 47 of the Nigerian Constitution which provides for the establishment of a bicameral National Assembly. He condemned the terming of the House of Representatives as the lower Chambers and that the President of the Senate is a sole Chairman of the National Assembly.

He wondered why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would award the President of the Senate with the National award of GCON and award the Honourable Speaker with CFR. This he stated breaths more life into this misleading notion as the President of the Senate and the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives are co-leaders of the National Assembly. Hon. Agbese therefore called the attention of the general public to the fact that the Senate and the House are equal partners in the Legislative Arm of Government, and this should be recognized by all Government Institutions, formal communications as well as the media. He called on the relevant Committees of the House to ensure they liaise with the Presidency to ensure the Honourable Speaker is elevated with the National award of GCON to eliminate any form of disparity.

Hon. Sada Soli in contributing to the debate reminded all that the motion is not about any individual, but to ensure that the provisions of Section 47 of the Nigerian Constitution is obeyed to the latter. He reminded Honourable Members that the position of the Speaker comes before that of the Chief Justice who was given the honour of GCON. He also listed many private individuals who have been honoured with the GCON, so why not the Speaker of the House of Representatives? He called on President Bola Tinubu who he termed as a listening President to correct the omission.

Hon. Babajimi Benson also commended the spirit of unity of all Honourable Members on the issue as this has been an injustice that has gone on for far too long. He reminded the public that the democratic style Nigeria adopted from the United States of America has the Speaker of the House as the successor should something happen to the President and the Vice President.

Hon. Akarachi Amadi called on Honourable Members to support the motion in order to ensure the House of Representatives takes its rightful place in the scheme of national governance.

Hon. Oforji Oboku also stressed the critical intervening roles the House of Representatives continues to play to ensure the thriving nature of the Nigerian democracy. He called on all concerned parties to ensure the House does not feel disenfranchised in any way.

Hon. Markus Onobu rose on behalf of his constituents in Edo state to wholeheartedly support the motion and stated that the House of Representatives remains equal to the Senate in all responsibilities and benefits.

Hon. Ahmed Idris appreciated Honourable Members for showing passion in safeguarding the integrity of the House of Representatives. He wondered why this misleading notion that truncates the Constitutional provisions of Section 47 is still let to thrive. He called on the relevant Committees of the House to ensure an official communication is made on the resolution of the House in order to correct this misleading notion.

Hon. Leke Abejide called for the explicit declaration to the public that the Senate and the House of Representatives work together in concurrence to make Laws for the good governance of the nation.

Hon. Stanley Olajide stated that what is fair is fair and that calling the President of the Senate the third national citizen and the Speaker of the House; number 4 is also part of the issue. He prayed that the issue will be ironed out finally.

Hon. Abdulmumin Jubril called for caution in the approach to make the House of Representatives not look desperate for power and titles. He agreed that calling the President of the Senate the third national citizen and the Speaker of the House; number 4 is truly part of the issue. He asked for a way to change this notion in all ramifications for the position of the Speaker of the House. Hon. Jibril also wondered why only the Senate is allowed to screen ministers and the House is left out. He called for the ratification of all such issues.

Hon. George Ozodinobi in his contribution expressed sadness at the way that different regimes of the Executive Arm of Government continue in the line of this error. He called on President Bola Tinubu to correct the National Honour on the Speaker of the House to reflect the one equal to that of the President of the Senate. This he stated is not for just the person of the current Speaker, but for the Office.

Hon. Dominic Okafor frowned at the continuous abuse of the provisions of Section 47 of the Constitution by diverse parties. He called for full support of the motion.

Hon. Ali Isa also highlighted the flaunting of the provisions of Section 47 of the Nigerian Constitution as a deeply saddening development. He called on the relevant Committees of the House to invite the Minister of Special Duties and ensure the resolution of the matter, and report back to the House within 7 days.

Hon. Dekor Robinson clarified that the National Award Act states that only 2 individuals can be conferred with the GCON award at a single ceremony, and since the Speaker is higher in hierarchy than the CJN, then it is in line for him to have been awarded GCON first.

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere stated that as Leader of the House, it is normal for him to defend the government, but in this position he has the responsibility to correct the government where it is erring. He stated that some critical Constitutional amendments are being currently considered to correct these violations and other anomalies currently being carried out in the society.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha also concurred with previous positions and called on all involved parties to ensure all such abnormalities are corrected. He called for the true application of the equal rights of the House of Representatives in all manners.

Hon. Usman Kumo proposed an amendment that an Ad-Hon Committee should be constituted comprising the Leader of the House as the Chairman and the Minority Leader as Co-chair, with representation of Honourable Members from all geopolitical zones to ensure the work is done fairly and effectively. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the Ad-Hoc Committee to be duly constituted.

4. Hon. Mohammed Anka moved a motion on the need to correct infractions in the governing board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Jallo. Hon. Anka in leading the debate stated that there were several violations of the Act establishing the NWDC such as: omission of representatives of key Federal Ministries as well as representations from the security forces. He also stated that the Act stipulates for rotational leadership of the Board alphabetically starting from Jigawa state to Kaduna before Kano state and not vice versa. Hon. Anka called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address these concerns and comply with the Act and that the Senate should withdraw its confirmation of the Board Members till this is done. He further called on the relevant Committees of the House to investigate, report back to the House and ensure compliance.

Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki called for the application of the motion to the latter as according to Law. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

1. Petroleum Technology Development Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024(HB.1455) (Hon. Mitema Obordor) – First Reading.
2. Off–shore Oil Revenues (Registration of Grants) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1456) (Hon. Mitema Obordor) – First Reading.
3. Land Use Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1749) (Hon. Adebayo Olusegun Balogun and 23 Others) – First Reading.
4. Federal Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Centre, Shere, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1687) (Hon. Alfred Ajang Iliya) – First Reading.
5. Research Institute of Paper Industry Bill, 2024 (HB.1683) (Hon. Bamisile Olufemi Richard) – First Reading.
6. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1693) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro & Hon. Fatima Talba) – First Reading.
7. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1694) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro & Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu) – First Reading.
8. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1695) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro & Hon. Adamu Hashimu Ranga) – First Reading.
9. Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1631) (Hon. Akintunde Rotimi) – First Reading.
10. Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria Act (Amendment) (HB.1633) (Hon. Akintunde Rotimi) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS:

1. Committee on Aids Loans and Debts Management:

Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management on Establishment of Promissory Note Programme as Reimbursement to Nasarawa and Kebbi State for Takeover of Airports by the Federal Government in the sum of nine billion, five hundred and forty–two million, six hundred and fifty–one thousand, seven hundred and eighty–six Naira, eleven kobo only (₦9,542,651,786.11) and fifteen billion, one hundred and thirty–seven million, three hundred and thirty–six thousand, ninety–five naira and eighty–eight Kobo only (₦15,137,336,095.88), based on the claims by the State as approved by the Federal Executive Council” (Referred: 16/5/2024) – Committee of Supply.

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Abubakar Nalaraba and seconded by Hon. Lanre Okunlola.

2. Committee on Federal Colleges of Education:

Hon. Adamu Tanko:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Federal Colleges of Education on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act to Establish Federal College of Education (Special), Dukku, Gombe State and for Related Matters (HB. 1371) (Referred: 22/5/2024).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Uguru Emmanuel and seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Rasheed.

3. Committee on Public Assets:

Hon. Ademorin Kuye:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Assets on the Investigation of the Sales of Two (2) Bell Helicopters 206 L4 BZB and BZC M206 L4 by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State”pursuant to Order Twenty, Rule 109 (2) (a & b)of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.

Presentation of report stepped down by leave of the House.

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BILLS:

1. Consolidation of Bills:

(a) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, 2007 to make provision for Establishment of Road safety Special Armed Squad and make Corps on the rank of Deputy Corp Marshal enjoy benefits attached to that grade including Retirement grade and for Related Matters (HB. 1401) (Hon. Olaide Lateef Muhammed); and

(b) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, 2007 to empower the Federal Road Safety Commission with the responsibility for Road Traffic Administration and Safety Management, Preventing and Minimizing Road Traffic crashes on Public Roads, Supervision of users of such Public Roads, Regulation of Traffic thereon and clearing of obstruction on any part of the Public Roads and for Educating Drivers, Motorist and other Members of the Public generally on the proper use of Public Roads and Matters Related to Safety on the Public Roads and for Related Matters (HB.1604) (Hon. Abiodun Derin Adesida);

Debate:
Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka moved for the consolidation of the 2 Bills and it was seconded by Hon. Saidu Abdullahi. The Bills were voted on, approved for consolidation and the House Committee on Rules and Business was asked to schedule a date for the the debate of the general principles of the newly consolidated Bill.

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Ibile Entrepreneur University, Lagos and make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters (HB. 639) (Hon. Babajimi Benson and Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye) – Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Babajimi Benson moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Philip Agbese. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on University Education.

3. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education Wamba, Nasarawa State and for Related Matters (HB.118) (Hon. Jeremiah Umaru)– Second Reading.

Debate:
Hon. Jeremiah Umaru moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Mukhtar Chawai. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and other Higher Institutions.

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MOTIONS:

4. Need to Dredge Major Dams and Rivers to Avert Floods Across the Federation:

Hon. Mohammed Dan Abba Shehu:

The House:

Notes that dredging of major dams and rivers in the country is essential to reduce the incidence of floods ravaging farmers’ crops;

Also notes that the government’s negligence in supporting farmers’ efforts to address flooding has hindered the implementation of an adequate action plan, which would enhance drainage system mechanisms to control flooding in the country;

Worried that the negligence has led to inadequate drainage systems, insufficient flood control measures, a lack of support for farmers to adapt to climate change, inadequate compensation for farmers’ losses, and inefficient water resource management;

Aware that developed countries like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and South Africa have made flood control through proper drainage sustainability a key objective of their administration in order to safeguard the environment, improve food security, and ensure food sustaniblity;

Recognises that proper dredging of major dams and rivers will encourage irrigation farming, which will in turn yield abundant food production for domestic consumption and exportation, consequently contribute to economic development, however, annual flooding is destroying farmers’ efforts, causing losses worth billions of dollars and high risk of excessive flooding due to government inaction;

Worried that 80% of Nigerian farmers have suffered significant crop losses, leading to debt and exit from the farming business, most farmers who obtained loan facilities from financial institutions find it difficult to pay back due to flood-related losses;

Also aware of the statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics which revealed that in 2018, floods destroyed crops worth 756 billion Naira, 2019, destroyed crops worth 890 billion Naira; and in 2020, destroyed over 1.2 trillion Naira.

Further aware that the statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that in 2018 and 2019 flood destroyed crops worth over seven hundred and fifty six billion naira and 1 trillion, respectively, thus, affecting over 80% of farmers;

Cognizant that government’s intervention in dam and river drainage could have injected lost resources into the economy for economic growth and development in the country;

Also cognizant that dredging of major dams and rivers in Nigeria will prevent flood disasters, protect lives and properties, and promote sustainable water resource management, aimed to enhance water storage capacity and circulation;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministries of Water Resources and Environment to direct the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency to evaluate the framework drainage control system to actualize the desired result;

(ii) urge the government through the Federal Ministries of Water Resources and Sanitation to commence drainage of the country’s major dams and rivers to prevent excessive floods ravaging lives and properties of the citizens; and

(iii) mandate the Committees on Water Resources, Environment, and Agricultural Production and Services to collaborate with the Hon. Ministers of Water Resources and Agriculture and Food Security to propose solutions to this menace and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate:
Hon. Mohammed Shehu moved the motion on the need to dredge major Major Dams and Rivers to avert floods across the Federation and it was seconded by Hon. Ahmed Idris who also proposed an amendment to the prayers of the motion calling for the Committee on Appropriations as well as that on National Planning to be incorporated into the prayers of the motion.

Hon. Sada Soli proposed an amendment to prayer 2 of the motion clarifying the terms of rivers that belong to states and those belonging to the Federal Government as well as to change some key wordings, especially on the repair of Dams. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Appropriations, Planning, Environment, Agricultural Services as well as that on Water Resources.

5. Need to Rehabilitate the Naze–Obibiezena and Emeabiam Roads to Boost Agriculture in Owerri Federal Constituency:

Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere:

The House:

Notes that the Naze, Obibiezena, and Emeabiam roads are major roads leading to Etche Rivers State connecting the host community of the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority and other surrounding communities in Owerri Federal Constituency;

Also notes that the Naze, Obibiezena and Emeabiam roads have over 250 oil-producing wells which have been in a state of dilapidation and comatose for decades without rehabilitation by successive governments;

Aware that the past administration had attempted to rehabilitate the Naze, Obibiezena, and Emeabiam roads, which host the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority, a Federal Government Agency known for the management of water resources for agriculture and other uses in the region;

Also aware that despite efforts to rehabilitate the roads by previous administrations, the Naze, Obibiezena Emeabiam roads has degenerated leaving residents, farmers, and other road users to face difficulties daily;

Concerned that the Naze, Obibiezena, and Emeabiam Roads is a major link to communities such as Egbu, Umuekwune, Okolochi, and Eziobodo yet in a terrible state for decades, thwarting economic growth in the communities;

Also concerned that Naze, Obibiezena, and Emeabiam Roads, being the link leading to communities, stretches over 50km to Etche Rivers State and can serve as a bypass from Owerri to Port Harcourt, avoiding heavy traffic from the Owerri-Port Harcourt expressway, while people coming from Okigwe Aba and Umuahia can also find the road useful and faster as people coming from Imo State Airport have to pass through the heavy traffic of the Owerri-Port Harcourt expressway;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Works through its road intervention project to include the Naze, Obibiezena, and Emeabiam Road as one of the roads that needs the Federal Government intervention;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Works to visit the Naze, Obibiezena, and Emeabiam Roads to further ascertain the extent of damage on the roads and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action; and

(iii) also mandate the Committees on Works and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure compliance.

Debate:
Hon. Tochukwu Okere moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate the Naze–Obibiezena and Emeabiam roads to boost agriculture in Owerri Federal Constituency and it was seconded by Hon. Ahmed Idris who also proposed an amendment to delete prayer 2 of the motion in order to reduce the burden on the Committee of the House. This he stated is due to the fact that prayer 1 of the motion already takes care of prayer 2. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Works as well as that on Federal Road Maintenance Agency.

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CONSIDERATION OF REPORT:

6. Committee on Aids Loans and Debts Management:

Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management on
Establishment of Promissory Note Programme as Reimbursement to Nasarawa and Kebbi State for Takeover of Airports by the Federal Government in the sum of nine billion, five hundred and forty–two million, six hundred and fifty–one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-six Naira, eleven kobo only (₦9,542,651,786.11) and fifteen billion, one hundred and thirty–seven million, three hundred and thirty–six thousand, ninety–five naira and eighty–eight Kobo only (₦15,137,336,095.88), based on the claims by the State as approved by the Federal Executive Council and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 3/10/2024) – Committee of Supply.

approve a Promissory Note Programme as reimbursement to Nasarawa and Kebbi State Governments, for the takeover of newly constructed Cargo Airports and development of Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport by the Federal Government in the sum of nine billion, five hundred and forty–two million, six hundred and fifty–one thousand, seven hundred and eighty–six Naira, eleven Kobo only (₦9,542,651,786.11) and fifteen billion, one hundred and thirty-seven million, three hundred and thirty–six thousand, ninety–five Naira and eighty–eight Kobo only (₦15,137,336,095.88), based on the claims by the State

1. Nasarawa State ₦9,542,651,786.11
2. Kebbi State ₦15,137,336,095.88

Consideration of report was stepped down by leave of the House for further Legislative input.

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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu Chaired:

7. A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, Ondo City, Ondo State and for Related Matters (SB.40) – Committee of the Whole: 9/7/2024. (Senate)

Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House.

8. A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Health Care Management of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.1260) – Committee of the Whole: 6/6/2024.

Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House.

9. A Bill for an Act to Establish Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians Regulatory Council of Nigeria to be vested with responsibility of determining Standards of knowledge and Skills to be attained by persons seeking to become Pharmaceutical Technologist and Pharmacy Technicians and for Related Matters (HB. 345) – Committee of the Whole:23/11/2024.

Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House.

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HOUSE IN PLENARY:

The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

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House Adjournment:

The House at 14:12 adjourned plenary to Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

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