The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara presided.
After leading the opening prayer, the Speaker went on to examine and approve plenary votes and proceedings for Thursday, July 5, 2018.
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Hon. Ossai Nicholas Moved the Motion on the urgent need to investigate the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation on its non-remittance which has caused delays in a lot of economic endeavors of the country such as worker’s salaries and other financial commitments. He expressed sadness that the N.N.P.C has a habit of holding the economy of Nigerian hostage, and this is coming at a time when the price of Crude has appreciated over the benchmark. He stressed the need for proper oversight and investigation of N.N.P.C so that Nigerians are not held hostage by their own Agency. Hon. Denis Agbo in supporting the Motion stated that the common wealth of Nigerians seem to continue to be misappropriated by N.N.P.C without any reprimand by any quarters of authority. Hon. Ogun Sergius stated that the scope of the investigation needs to be expanded if the expected results hope to be achieved. He wondered why the N.N.P.C would be allowed to go rogue knowing the President of the Nation doubles as the Minister of Petroleum. Hon. Aminu Shagari wondered what was done with former Investigative Reports of the National Assembly Investigating N.N.P.C? He stated that a high level of guts have to be employed to really get the desired results from the investigation. Hon. Ahman Pategi stated that part of the responsibilities of Parliament on behalf of the Nigerian people is to name and shame defaulters of the Laws of the land, this he said the Nigerian people expect them to do at a time like this when it is needed. Hon. Abdulrahman Shuaibu wondered why N.N.P.C still has access to funds it generates instead of remitting it directly to the Federation account and just having their running costs appropriated to them. Hon. Abdulmumin Jubrin stated that the corruption in the oil system is complicated in operations like cost of production, cash-flow and foreign exchange that is hardly ever investigated or verified. He proposed an amendment to extend the length of investigation to cover from January instead of just a few months, and also to determine the exchange rate used to remit cash to the nation. The Motion was voted on and Passed.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1509) (Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila) – First Reading.
2. Ajaokuta Steel Company and Railway Line Fund Bill, 2018 (HB. 1510) (Hon. Ossia N. Ossai) – First Reading.
3. National Identity Management Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1511) (Hon. Henry Daniel Ofongo) – First Reading.
4. National Mangrove Management Commission Act (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1512) (Hon. Randolph Iwo Oruene Brown)
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Committee on Basic Education and Services:
Hon. Zakari Mohammed:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Basic Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, Cap. C52, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Increase the Functions of the Commission; and for Related Matters (HB. 155, 419 and 420)” (Referred: 8/10/2015).
2. Committee on Agricultural Production and Services:
Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Animal Diseases (Control) Act, Cap. A17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Animal Diseases (Control) Bill for the Purposes of Prevention, Detection, Control and Eradication of Infectious and Contagious Animal and Zoonotic Diseases, Control of Veterinary Drugs and Chemical residues in Foods of Animal origins, and Prevention of Antimicrobial resistance through strict adherence to Animal Disease Surveillance, Biosafety and Biosecurity Protocols, seizure and Quarantine measures , proper disposal of diseased Animals and Animal Products Commodities and also Enhancement of Animal Welfare and Food Safety; and for Related Matters (HBs. 682, 1268 and 140)” (Referred: 2/5/2018).
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, Cap. F22, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make provision for a change of Name of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi to J. S. Tarka University, Makurdi; and for Related Matters (HB. 528) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Tahir Monguno moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Orker Jev. The Bill was voted on and Passed.
2. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Presidential Programme on Rehabilitation and Reintegration for the Implementation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 482) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Tahir Monguno moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Orker Jev. The Bill was voted on and Passed.
3. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Polytechnics Act, Cap. F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Review the Retirement Age of Staff of Polytechnics, Harmonize the Tenure of the Office of the Rector and Other Principal Officers of the Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.1448) (Senate) (House Leader) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Tahir Monguno moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Orker Jev.
Hon. Monguno stated that the Bill was sent from the Senate for concurrence and it aims to harmonize what is obtainable in Universities with Polytechnics in staff and council duration and qualification. This is to promote harmony across board in the tertiary education system in the country. The Bill was voted on, Passed for Second Reading and referred to the House Committee of the Whole.
4. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Abuja Geographic Information Systems Agency and for Related Matters (HB. 639) (Hon. Gaza Jonathan G.) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Jonathan Gaza Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Shehu Aminu.
Hon. Gaza stated that the Bill aims to give legal backing to the workforce so that they will deliver effective service to the land concerned activities. This is in a bid to ensure the F.C.T verification and revenue generation services is in tandem with what is obtainable internationally. The Bill was voted on, Passed for Second Reading and referred to the Committee of F.C.T
MOTIONS
5. Need to Connect Local Government Areas in Ogoni Land, Rivers State to the National Grid through the Afam Power Station:
Hon. Mpigi Barinada.
The House:
Notes that electricity is critical to the socio-economic and industrial growth and development of any society;
Also notes that Tai, Gokana and Khana Local Government Areas of Rivers State are not connected to the national grid for dependable power supply;
Aware that the famous Afam Power Station located at Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State was built in 1962 with 20 megawatts capacity, and has grown to over 1,000 megawatts;
Also aware that the inconveniences and hardship hitherto faced by Oyigbo Community due to inadequate power supply led to its connection to the national grid through the Afam power station;
Further aware that residents of Tai, Gokana and Khana Local Government Areas and indeed the entire Ogoni people are currently facing similar challenges of inadequate power supply;
Cognizant that Oyigbo residents now enjoy uninterrupted power supply while the Ogoni people are experiencing perpetual epileptic power supply;
Worried that the non-availability of power supply to the affected Local Government Areas is hampering the productivity, economic growth and poverty alleviation of the people;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to facilitate the connection of the Tai, Gokana and Khana Local Government Areas to the national grid through Afam Power Station and make provisions for it in the 2019 Appropriation estimates;
(ii) Mandate the Committees on Power and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
The Motion was Moved by Hon. Mpigi Barinada and it was Seconded by Hon. Jisalo Zephaniah.
As an Infrastructure related Motion, it was voted on and Passed.
6. State of Hajj Camps Across Nigeria, Accommodation Racketeering and Other Sharp Practices by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON):
Hon. Danburam Abubakar Nuhu:
The House:
Notes that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam which permits individuals with resources to attend pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime;
Also notes that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is saddled with responsibility for the successful conduct of the annual event, which includes provision of accommodation for all pilgrims;
Further notes that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has always made provisions for 70 days accommodation for all pilgrims at the expense of the pilgrims;
Aware that before their departure date to the Holy Land, the pilgrims are camped at various Hajj Camps across Nigeria;
Also aware that intending pilgrims are charged Five Thousand Naira Only (N5,OOO.00) for the maintenance of the Hajj Camps across the country annually, and the sum total of such amounts would go a long way in the rehabilitation of the camps;
Further aware that all travel agents for trips to Saudi Arabia are registered with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the purpose of facilitation of travelers to the Holy Land;
Further aware that all travel agents sign agreement with NAHCON on United Agent Fees (transport and tents) and Royalty including the allocation (number of intending pilgrims) to the agents as well as the provision of accommodation for the clients of the various agents;
Again notes that the travel agents make payment to NAHCON for the purpose of securing accommodation for their clients (intending pilgrims) in Saudi Arabia;
Concerned that pilgrims usually do not stay up to 60 days, which is contained in the calendar events/itinerary of NAHCON yet no refund is made to the pilgrims who paid for accommodation for the period of 70 days;
Also concerned that NAHCON usually uses the first 5 days and the last 7 days left out of the 70 days as business for international pilgrims who may be non-Nigerians, which practices is unholy, unacceptable and must be stopped forthwith;
Worried that despite the payment of Five Thousand Naira Only over the years by intending pilgrims in Nigeria, the deplorable condition of Hajj Camps across the country is unspeakable;
Further concerned that some clients of the travel agencies who have already paid for the trip to the Holy Land and unable to travel or whatsoever that changes the arrangement cannot get refund because NAHCON refused to make refunds to the agents;
Disturbed that individual clients are always at loggerhead with their agents who fail to refund their money as a result of NAHCON’s failure to refund the agents accordingly;
Also worried that NAHCON has not made it known to the public where and how the money on the outstanding accommodation days is spent over the years;
Further disturbed that the conditions at various Hajj Camps are capable of causing health hazards due to the unkempt nature of the environments, dilapidated buildings and poor safety facilities for a large number of intending pilgrims;
Alarmed that NAHCON does not account for the non-refundable money paid by the agents as the money it withholds belongs to individuals;
Also aware that NAHCON has compelled all travel agents to secure accommodation for their clients through it, which is largely responsible for the lack of refund if the need arises, however this is not the case when agents secure the accommodation themselves;
Resolves to:
(i)Set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the:
(a)outstanding money on accommodation generated by NAHCON and how it is expended;
(b)failure of NAHCON to use the money realized for rehabilitation of the Hajj Camps across the country;
(c)relationship between NAHCON and Travel Agents for the purpose of finding lasting solutions to the problem of accommodation, United Agents Fees and Royalty problems between NAHCON and Travel Agencies in the country;
(d)Payment made by travel Agents and being withheld by NAHCON as non- refundable despite NAHCON’s failure to provide accommodation for travelers who came through the Travel Agents, and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Item withdrawn by leave of the House.
7. Urgent National Security Attention on the Killing of Seven Police Men and Others by Unknown Gunmen in Galadimawa, Abuja amongst Other Killings in the Country:
Hon. Chris Emeka Azubogu:
The House:
Aware that on the 2nd day of July, 2018, Police men attached to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command on duty at Galadimawa area of Abuja were attacked at their duty post by unknown gunmen;
Informed that the gunmen, numbering over a dozen, came on six motorbikes;
Also Informed that the fallen gallant police officers were outnumbered and over powered with sophisticated weaponry by the gunmen who also killed nine civilians in sporadic shootings including the driver of a known bread merchant who was carrying out his legitimate business at the Galadimawa junction at the time of the attack;
Further informed that many other passersby were caught by stray bullets with various degrees of injuries;
Worried that this attack is coming too close after the Plateau killings and others in the country which have been reported in the immediate past to which government is confronting internally and doing everything possible to contain the fall out in terms of national security concerns and image management of the country to the international environment;
Also worried that these killings now call to question the internal security management of securing the lives and property of the citizens by government as provided in the Constitutional of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended);
Desirous of the need to reinvigorate the security apparatus of the country to better secure the lives and property of the people;
Resolves to:
(i) Invite the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police to brief the House on the way forward to enable it take an informed decision;
(ii) Revisit the constitutional amendment with regards to credible options for effective policing of our communities;
(iii) Set up an Ad-hoc Committee to determine the rising phenomena of insecurity in the country occasioned by killings and kidnapping all over the Federation, proffer solutions and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Azubogu lamented the blatant lack of security and accountability of life and property in Nigeria these days. He decried the situation where those charged to protect lives are hacked down with no apprehension, let alone consequences. Hon. Ayo Omidiran in supporting the Motion stated that the investigation should be supported with every Legislative instrument of the House. Hon. Mohammed Sani urged for tightening of Nigeria’s porous borders as not all threats emanate internally. Hon. Chidoka Obinna lamented the way and manner in which the loss of human lives have become trivialized and seems to have become a norm, he called for the deployment of all resources to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book and the stolen Arms returned. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
8. Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate the Incident of the Senate Chamber Invasion:
Hon. Betty Apiafi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate the Incident of the Senate Chamber Invasion and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 5/7/2018).
(i) the immediate suspension of Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege for 180 Legislative Sitting days in line with Section 14 (2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017;
(ii) the immediate prosecution of Senator Omo-Agege and the 6 other suspects for treasonable felony, assault occasioning harm, conspiracy to steal and actual theft of the mace, the symbol of Authority of the Parliament;
(iii) that Senator Omo-Agege be prosecuted for incitement and breach of peace in the Chamber of the Senate and contempt ex-facie;
(iiii) the prosecution of Sen. Omo-Agege and the six others for obstructing and assaulting officers of the National Assembly in the course of their duty contrary to Section 14(1)(c) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) which states “Any member of a Legislative House who assaults or obstructs any officer of the Legislative House while in the execution of his duty shall be guilty of contempt of the Legislative House” and should be dealt with in accordance with the provision of the law;
(v) that the Nigeria Police’s preliminary investigation on the issue should be intensified with a view to bringing those found culpable into custody;
(vi) that the Legislative Houses (Power and Privileges) Act should be amended to clearly vest the power of maintaining peace and order within the Chamber and precincts of Legislative Houses in the Sergeant-At-Arms of any Legislative Houses;
(vii) that the Management of National Assembly should, as a matter of urgency, review the existing Security Operational Procedure and indeed the entire Security architecture with a view to improving the capacity of the Sergeant-At-Arms to enable them take the lead in providing security and encouraging synergy among other Agencies to assist in complimentary roles; and introduce electronic gate screening mechanism with capacity to automatically process authorized persons to gain access into and out of the National Assembly Complex;
(viii) that Members should accord the Security Operative the required courtesy and cooperation to enable them discharge their responsibilities effectively and efficiently;
(ix) Commend the House of Representatives, the International Community, the Press/Media and other well-meaning individuals and groups for their show of support on the side of the Senate when democracy was threatened;
(x) Commend and recommend for special compensation staff of the Senate Chamber, namely Sandra Davou, Chuks Egemuka and Hussaini Yari as well as Timothy Omale and Jacob James Idoko of the House of Representatives Chamber who did their best to retrieve the Mace but were overpowered by the thugs;
(xi) Commend the Deputy Senate President and the entire Senate for refusing to be intimidated by the invasion and upholding their oath of office as prescribed in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Apiafi stated that protesters at the entrance of the National Assembly distracted the attention of the Security which made it easier to for Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege and his accomplices to gain access into the premises of the National Assembly. The case is also being investigated by the Nigeria Police to ensure the full measure of the Law is brought to book. Hon. Nkem Abonta proposed the retraining of the sergeant at Arms at the National Assembly in order to conform with what is obtainable in other security compliant Parliaments. Hon. Zakari Mohammed wondered why a Senator that is suspended would be admitted into the premises of National Assembly by the Sergeant at Arms in the first case under nay guise, no excuse is good enough for such security breach. If the Sergeant at Arms cannot protect them as Legislators in the premises of the National Assembly, then there is really cause for concern. He proposed identification cards with smart chips that would deny access to suspended Individuals.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and Passed: 1-4, 7-11
Clauses Amended and Passed: 5
Clauses Deleted: 6
9. Committee on Public Petitions
Petition by Ken Ayapaye:
Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Ken Ayapaye against the Nigeria Police Force on malicious victimization and dismissal from service and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 21/11/2017);
urge the Nigeria Police Force to reinstate Ken Ayapaye in to the Nigeria Police forthwith and pay all his salaries and entitlements.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and Passed: 1
10. Committee on Public Petitions
Petition by Canice Nweke Chidinma:
Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Canice Nweke Chidinma against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the unlawful termination of his appointment by the Management of the Agency and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 15/5/2018).
Urge the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA to reinstate Mr. Canice Nweke Chidinma back to the service of NDLEA as due process was not followed in the termination and he should be promoted to be at par with his colleagues in office as well as pay the arears of his salaries, benefits and entitlements.
Synopsis of the Report:
If rules of the organization was founded, then NDLEA is right, but if not, Canice’s human right has indeed been contravened
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and Passed: 1 & 2
11. Committee on Public Petitions
Petition by Asoloko Jonathan:
Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Asoloko Jonathan against the Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on the non-implementation of the House of Representatives Committee Report that bothers on the issue of Committee of Appointment and approve the recommendation therein (Laid: 7/6/2018).
Adopt the report of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Committee which recommends the reinstatement of Mr. Asoloko Jonathan and 8 others, back to the service of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
Synopsis of the Report:
The Committee set up should have been independent, when this was pointed out, it was declined.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and Passed: 6.1
12. Committee on Public Petitions
Petition by Lewali Nigeria Limited:
Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Lewali Nigeria Limited against the Managing Director, Nigeria Agip Oil Company on the Alleged Termination of Contracts Awarded to Messrs Lewali Nigeria Limited and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 7/6/2018)
(i) urge the Nigeria Agip Oil Company to restore the contract of Messrs Lewali Nigeria Limited terminated since the suspicious that one of the Board Members of Lewali Nigeria Limited was also a staff in Port Harcourt branch of the Agip Oil Company has been proved wrong;
(ii) ascertain the amount owed Lewali Nigeria Limited and pay them for job done according to the terms of the contract.
Synopsis of the Report:
In light that the allegations of conflict of interest has been disproven, the recommendations should be applied.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and Passed: 6.1 & 6.2
13. Committee on Public Petitions
Petition by V. E. Otomiewo and Co. on behalf of Mr. Wilson Nikoro and 7 Others:
Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta.
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by V. E. Otomiewo and Co. on behalf of Mr. Wilson Nikoro and 7 Others on the Breach of Public Trust with the Brazen and Illegal conversion of the Land of the Uviwie People purportedly acquired for Public purposes into Private Property by some Soldiers through the Instrumentality of the Nigerian Army Property Limited and approve the recommendations (Laid: 7/6/2018).
(i) urge the Nigerian Army to vacate the 436 Acres (185.20 Hectares) occupied in excess of what was gazzeted, contained in 1974 gazette No. 39 Vol 12 dated 4 July, 1975;
(ii) that the Nigerian Army should desist from encroaching, harassing and/or intimidating the people of Uviwie , as it is undemocratic.
Synopsis of the Report:
The continued occupation of the additional land by the Nigerian Army is unconstitutional and should be vacated , with its occupation limited to what was constitutionally allocated to it.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and Passed: 6.1 & 6.2
14. Committee on Public Petitions
Petition by Patrick Ogbonna:
Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta.
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Patrick Ogbonna against Abuja Municipal Area Council on the issue of unlawful demolition of Sixteen Self Contained Rooms at Gwagwa Village in FCT Abuja in 2006 and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 15/5/2018);
Urge the Abuja Municipal Area Council to relocate Patrick Ogbonna as his sixteen self-contained rooms were illegally demolished without notice and having paid all the necessary fees.
Synopsis of the Report:
The petitioner had been lawfully granted the land and paid the necessary fees before the demolition. Since the fees have been collected, he deserves compensation to the tune of what he lost.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and Passed: only recommendation carried.
Adjournment
The House adjourned Plenary till Wednesday, July 11, by 11:00 Am
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives.
