After leading the opening prayer, the Speaker went on to examine and approve plenary votes and proceedings for Thusrday, July 12, 2018
PETITIONS
1. Hon. Timothy Golu forwarded a petition from an individual , Mr. Daniel Agga who took AGIP Oil to court for trespassing on his land, the Court had given judgement in his favor, but AGIP hasn’t complied, he sought the intervention of the House.
The Petition was Referring to the Committee on Public Petition
MOTIONS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas Moved the Motion on the urgent need to deploy security personnel to stop the continuous reprisal attacks in 15 communities in the Southern part of Adamawa State which has claimed about 15 lives and rendered over 3,000 individuals homeless. He called on N.E.M.A and the Presidential Committee on Northeast Rehabilitation to come to the aid of the affected. The Motion was Voted for and Passed.
2. Hon. Sunday Adepoju Moved the Motion on the urgent need to redress the confusing situation between an electricity providing company who bought a stake to provide electricity in Ibadan. The said company later pulled out and the B.P.E was supposed to supervise the process in order to ensure that the transition is cordial so as not to disrupt the electricity provision process in Ibadan. He urged the N.E.R.C and the House Committee on Power to investigate the issue and ensure the people of Ibadan do not continue to bear the burden of the corporate tussle. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1521) (Hon. Olatunbosun Oladele George) – First Reading.
2. National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1522) (Hon. Muhammad Usman) – First Reading.
3. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2018(HB. 1523) (Hon. Tajudeen Abbas) – First Reading.
4. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1524) (Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe) – First Reading.
5. Public Accounts Implementation Tribunal Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (HB.1525) (Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe) – First Reading.
6. Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (HB.1526) (Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe) – Firs Reading.
7. Natural Resources Regulatory Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB.1527) (Hon. Aliyu Ahman-Pategi) – First Reading.
8. Maternity Benefits Bill, 2018 (HB. 1528) (Hon. Stella Ngwu) – First Reading.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Committee on Public Petitions
Hon. Uzoma Nkem –Abonta:
Petitions by Umeh Gabriel U.:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Umeh Gabriel U. against the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nassarawa State on the wrongful, oppressive and unjustifiable stoppage of his salary while his employment is still subsisting” Referred: 31/1/2018).
2. Committee on Public Petitions
Hon. Uzoma Nkem –Abonta:
Petitions by Tricenuel Barrister and Solicitors:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Tricenuel Barrister and Solicitors on behalf of Mr. Nwora O. Afamefuna against the Nigeria Customs Service on the Fraudulent disposal of his Consignment, Toyota 4 Runner with Chassis No. 204545 and a Bill of Lading N0. 5306748982” (Referred: 17/1/2017).
4. Committee on Public Petitions
Hon. Uzoma Nkem –Abonta:
Petitions by Walaris Nigeria Limited:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Walaris Nigeria Limited against the Police Service Commission on Non-payment of Contract Debt for the Construction of 400 Linear Meter Wall Fencing at Troop office/Barracks in Kaduna State (Lot-1203017) (Referred: 25/1/2017).
5. Committee on Public Petitions
Hon. Uzoma Nkem –Abonta:
Petitions by Ezinne Anyanwu:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Ezinne Anyanwu against the Federal Road Safety Commission on the unlawful termination of appointment and unfair Human Right Abuses on a Female Staff of the Commission” (Referred: 18/5/2017).
6. Committee on Public Petitions
Hon. Uzoma Nkem –Abonta:
Petitions by Comrade Kehinde Squad and Co.:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Comrade Kehinde Squad and Co. against the West African Portland Cement PLC, Lafarge, Ewekoro Cement Plant on the lack of commitment to Safety Work Practices as enshrined in the Global Practices by an Employer which resulted in the death of the Three Company Workers and also Non-Commitment to Manpower Development” (Referred: 25/1/2017).
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS FOR THIRD READING
1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Establishment, etc.) Act, 2002 (as amended), the Federal Highways Act, 1971 and the Control of Advertisement on Federal Highway Act, 1986 and Enact the Federal Roads Bill for Establishment of the Federal Roads Authority, the Framework for Private Sector Participation, the Regulation of the Roads Sector; and for Related Matters (HB. 1075) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Tahir Monguno Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Orker Jev. It was voted on, Read the Third Time and Passed.
2. A Bill For an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, to Promote, Coordinate and Facilitate the Prevention, Detection and Control of Communicable Diseases in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1199) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Tahir Monguno Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Orker Jev. It was voted on, Read the Third Time and Passed.
3. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Housing Fund Act, Cap. N45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the National Housing Fund Bill, to make provisions for additional Sources of Funding and for Related Matters, (HB. 1077) – Third Reading.
Debate
Hon. Tahir Monguno Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Orker Jev. It was voted on, Read the Third Time and Passed.
BILLS FOR SECOND READING
4. A Bill for an Act to Authorize the Issue from the Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the total sum of N271,532,518,887 (Two Hundred and Seventy-One Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty-Two Million, Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Seven Naira) only, of which the Sum of N56, 166, 171, 520 (Fifty Six Billion, One Hundred and Sixty-Six Million, One Hundred and Seventy-One Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty Naira) only, is for Personnel costs and the sum of N 61,134,045,738 (Sixty-One Billion, One Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Forty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Eighty Naira) only, is for Overhead Costs while the balance of N154,232,301,630 (One Hundred and Fifty-Four Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-Two Million, Three Hundred and One Thousand, Six Hundred and Thirty Naira) only, is for Capital Projects for the Service of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for the Financial Year commencing from 1 January and ending on 31 December, 2018 (HB. 1506) (Leader.) – Second
Reading.
Debate
Hon. Tahir Monguno Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Orker Jev.
In leading the debate Hon. Monguno stated that the F.C.T.A had achieved 62% of revenue estimated to be generated and its expenditure has also been very impressively conservative in comparison to previous years. He also stated that the expansion of the Capital projects was to accommodate and provided services for the increasing influx of population from within and outside Nigeria as the Federal Capital Territory has continued to attract people for business and luxury. Hon. Sergius Ogun in contributing to the debate stated that Abuja as the Capital of great Nigeria needs to be effectively funded for the sake of security and the image building of the nation. Hon. Jonathan Gaza stated that the proposed Bill takes into consideration the completion of various housing projects which would ensure they don’t deteriorate and are completed for the housing needs of the people. Hon. Balogun Yakub stated that the Bill should be supported as it shows determination to work with over 50% of the amount being earmarked for Capital projects, he stated that it was worth emulating by other States. He urged the F.C.T to ensure the budget year runs from January to December as proposed. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and referred to the House Committees on F.C.T and F.C.T.A. Councils
5. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria charged with responsibility of persons seeking to become Public Administration Practitioners in Nigeria and provide Disciplinary measures against Members for unprofessional conduct including cancellation of Practitioners’ Membership; and for Related Matters (Hon. Jones Chukwudi Onyereri) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Jones Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Isa Hassan.
Hon. Jones stated that the Bill seeks to ensure citizens enjoy the benefits of services rendered by competent administrators. It also seeks to control and regulate the activities of administrators to ensure adequate certification and ensure competence of Members. The Bill also covers the penalties for unprofessional conducts of administrators. It was also pointed out that the Honourable Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara is equally an affiliate. Hon. Nicholas Ossai in contributing to the Bill stated that the creation of the Council has various multiplier effects for the good of the nation. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and Referred To the House Committee on Banking and Currency.
6. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Baissa, Taraba State to Provide Full-Time Courses leading to the Award of Diploma, Higher National Diploma in Agriculture and Allied Fields, and be responsible for the due Administration of the College; and for Related Matters (HB. 1446) (Hon. Danasabe C. Hosea) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Hosea Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Jonathan Gaza.
Hon. Hosea in leading the debate stated that the proposed Institution would provide admission opportunities for various students in the region and it would boost the educational and agricultural skill acquisition opportunities for individuals of the Northeast and North central regions especially. It is also bound to increase the employment opportunities for Nigerians in the region. He also stated that the proposed region of location enjoys favorable rainfall which is invaluable in the proposed agricultural practice. The proposed site also has a vast array of land and Soil which is highly fertile and accommodates a wide range of varying crops. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and Referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.
MOTIONS
7. Need to Address the Ecological Disaster in Auchi, Etsako Federal Constituency, Edo State:
Hon. Johnson Ewakhide Oghuma:
The House:
Notes the catastrophic disaster in some parts of Auchi, Etsako Federal Constituency;
Also notes that the areas greatly affected by flooding and gully erosion include the Igbe Road axis, which is a major commercial center of Auchi town and on the south side of Idani-race community also in Auchi, to mention a few;
Worried that the menace has already started taking its toll on the municipal with lives and houses already affected;
Also worried that the continuous negligence will lead to a more catastrophic dilemma which may lead to the death of many lives and the destruction of property;
Concerned that the 2018 budget allocation to address some of this humanitarian crisis may not be enough compared to the ecological situation on ground and magnitude of the impending danger;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to take flooding and gully erosion in Auchi with the utmost seriousness and declare the environment as ecological disaster area and make additional funds available from the Ecological Fund to give room for effective control and management of the catastrophe;
(ii) Also urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected persons;
(iii) Mandate the Committees on Environment and Habitat, Water Resources and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within 8 weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Johnson Moved the Motion and it was Seconded by Hon. Sherriff Nur. As a disaster related Motion it was Voted on and Passed.
8. Need to Complete the Sampou-Elemebiri-Utuechi- Ndoni-Ase-Azaga-Ogu-Ipele-Onitsha Road Project
Hon. Uchechuku Nnam-Obi
The House:
Notes that in 2006 the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded contract for Construction of Sampo-Elemebiri-Utuechi-Ndoni-Ase-Azagba-Ogu-Ipele-Onitsha road linking Rivers and Anambra States to Bayendir Nigeria Limited;
Also notes that the construction of the said road was abandoned by the contractor due to the Federal Government’s inability to provide funds for its completion;
Concerned that the abandonment of the road project has adversely affected the people of the communities where the road passes through as they find it difficult to transport themselves and their goods to other states by road;
Convinced that if the road project linking Rivers and Anambra State is completed, it will boost tourism and commercial activities in these areas;
Also convinced that if the road project is completed and there is an improvement in economic activities in the area, it would help both the Rivers and Anambra States Governments to realize more Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs) which would in turn contribute to the rise in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP);
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to determine the cause of abandonment of the contract and ensure that it is re-awarded to a firm that will speedily execute the project and report back in eight (8) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Obi Moved the Motion and it was Seconded by Hon. Tony Nwoye. As an Infrastructure related Motion it was Voted on and Passed.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Presiding
9. A Bill for an Act to Incorporate Annex 12 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, 1944 into Nigerian Law, to Establish the Nigerian Search and Rescue Service; and for Matters Connected Therewith (HB. 319) (Recommitted to Committee of the Whole: 4/7/2018).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Orker Jev stated that the Bill had been earlier Passed into Law and was supposed to be sent to the President for Assent. The Legal Department of the National Assembly sited Section 2 which contained materials contravening and conflicting in the proposed Act. The Bill was then reworked on to remove the parts of the Sections contravening Law.
Summary of Voting:
Clauses Voted on and Carried: 2
10. A Bill for an Act to Provide a Legal Framework for the Mainstreaming of Climate Change Responses and Actions into Government Policy Formulation, Implementation and Establishment of the National Council on Climate Change; and for Related Matters (HB.1020) (Hon. Sam Onuigbo) (Recommitted to the Committee on Climate Change: 4/7/2018).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Sam stated that the Legal section and Honourable Members did not find Section 5(2) comfortable. He stated that the Nation does not have any Agency that handles matters of Climate change hence the importance of the Bill. Hon. Jones Onyererei was of the opinion Clause 8 should be expunged so that the Agency should not be able to borrow money as the National Assembly seeks to place a financial ceiling to borrowing. Hon. Sam Onuigbo stated that the need to borrow is necessary only when the need arises in extreme cases that needs funds that goes beyond their appropriation and time is of the essence. Hon. Chukwuka Onyema stated that the term ‘borrowing’ should be defined so that both sides of the debate can be taken care of for precaution on finances and services delivered. The Speaker expressed concern with Agencies empowered to borrow and asked if there are examples, Hon. Yakub Balogun stated that the National Assembly had in the past enabled some specific Agencies being created to access funds when needed. Hon. Chris Azubogu stated that when the Agency borrows and it is not a revenue generating Agency; it then leaves debts for others to pay back, had it been revenue generating; it would be easier for it to pay back its debts. Hon. Dan Asuquo stated that the borrowing should be subject to the approval of both the Board and the National Assembly. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara sited the Fiscal Responsibility Act which makes it mandatory for such borrowing to be subject to the National Assembly. Clause 8 was then Amended to be in compliant to the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Summary of Voting:
Clauses Voted on and Carried: 2,3,5,7,9,17
Clauses Amended and Carried: 8
HOUSE IN PLENARY:
The House in Plenary Adopted the Voting of the House in the Committee of the Whole.
Adjournment
The House adjourned Plenary till Wednesday, July 18 by 11:00 Am
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives.
