Plenary proceedings
After leading the opening prayer, the Speaker went on to examine and approve plenary votes and proceedings for Tuesday, October 23, 2018
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PETITIONS
1. Hon. Abiodun Faleke brought a petition from a company that was supplied a transformer from another company and paid =N=3.5 Million as deposit, but the transformer got burnt after just a week of use. The company doesn’t see the need the to pay the balance for an obviously faulty transformer and called for the House to intervene in the matter.
2. Hon. Gwani Gideon Brought the petition on the wrongful termination of the job of one of his constituents, he urged the House to investigate the circumstances and intervene.
The Petitions were referred to the Committee on Public Petitions
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The House also paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi for his tremendous contributions to the Legal profession, the Judiciary and the Nation at large.
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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Hon. Rita Orji Moved the Motion on the urgent need to save the people of her constituency from the incessant killings by cultists, it was Seconded by Hon. Chike Okafor. Hon. Orji lamented the fact that these cultists move around freely with no hinderance from security agencies employed to protect the lives of responsible citizens of the society. She called for the continuous interphase by Traditional Elders and the National Orientation Agency with the cultists with a view to change the prevailing discourse in the communities. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
2. Hon. Reyenieju Daniel Moved the Motion on the need to urgently complete the dredging of the Escravos and its facilities in Delta State which have gulped huge sums of money in their maintenance and it was Seconded by Hon. Henry Obah. Hon. Reyenieju expressed worry as the state of Escravos does not reflect the huge financial investments on it and as a result cargoes are diverted elsewhere, making the regions it is supposed to serve be denied of such benefits. He also decried the waste of the already invested funds. As a Motion on the provision of infrastructure, the Motion was voted on and Passed.
3. Hon. James Faleke Moved the Motion on the urgent need to implement the white paper on the enquiry to the activities of the defunct Nigeria Airways and it was Seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Usman. Hon. Faleke expressed that till date those indicted in the report for fraud have not been adequately prosecuted while the former employees continue to suffer untold hardship. He called on the House to set up an Ad-Hoc Committee to name those indicted and ensure they remit looted funds of the defunct Nigeria Airways. As an Investigative Motion, it was Voted on and Passed.
4. Hon. Agbonayinma Johnson Moved the Motion on the need to Investigate the red alert placed on a Chinese drug smuggled into Nigeria and it was Seconded by Hon. Raphael Igbokwe. Hon. Johnson expressed concern that the contents of the drugs which is alleged to contain human remains may truly have found its way into the country which will in no doubt be harmful for consumption. He called for the unearthing of those behind the manufacturing, importation and distribution of such drugs and their cohorts. As an investigative Motion it was voted on and Passed.
5. Hon. Uche Nnam-Obi Moved the Motion on the urgent need to curtail the disaster caused by erosion in some communities in his constituency and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Sherriff. Hon. Obi expressed concern that the rains have continued and if the affected are not quickly aided, the condition would deteriorate, he urged NEMA, National Inland Waterways, the House Committee on Environment and the Ministry Environment to ensure the overcrowded IDP camps will be aided as diseases have begun to set in. As a disaster related Motion, it was Voted on and Passed.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Facilities Management Council of Nigeria (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1551) (Senate) – First Reading.
2. National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (Establishment, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1552) (Senate) – First Reading.
3. National Commission for Peace, Reconciliation and Mediation (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1553) (Senate) – First Reading.
4. Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1545) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta) – First Reading.
5. Federal Capital Territory Primary Health Care Board (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1546) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta) – First Reading.
6. Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2018 (HB. 1554) (Hon. Adekoya A. Abdel-Majid) – First Reading.
7. Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1555) (Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi) – First Reading.
8. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1556) (Hon. Obinna Chidoka) – First Reading.
9. Defence Intelligence Agency Pensions Board (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1557) (Hon. Oluwole Oke) – First Reading.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Ad-Hoc Committee on the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited:
Hon. Femi Gbajibiamila:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited on reasons for the failure of the Ajaokuta Steel Company to commence Operation fully since its inception (HR. 78/2018) (Referred: 1/3/2018).
2. Committee on Interior:
Hon. Adams Jagaba Adams:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Interior on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Prisons Act, Cap. P29 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Correctional Service Bill to make Provision for the Administration of Prisons and Non-Custodial Measures in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HBs. 487, 516 and 517) (Referred: 31/5/2016).
3. Committee on Public Service Matters:
Hon. Gogo Bright Tamuno:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Service Matters on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Government Staff Housing Loan Board to Administer a Housing Loan Scheme for Federal Public Officers; and for Related Matters (HB1224) (Referred:17/1/2018).
4. Committees on Finance, Housing and Urban Development and Regional Planning:
Hon. Ibrahim Babangida:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committees on Finance, Housing and Urban Development and Regional Planning on Alleged Non-Remittance of N5.6 Billion by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (HR. 123/2017) (Referred: 4/4/2017)
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo; and for Matters Connected Therewith (HB. 1539) – (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Idris Ahmed. Hon Gbajabiamila stated that the Bill is a straight forward Bill seeking concurrence from the Senate. It was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
2. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Federal University of Education, Zaira; and for Matters Connected Therewith (HB. 1536) (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Idris Ahmed. Hon Gbajabiamila stated that the Bill is a straight forward Bill seeking concurrence from the Senate. It originated from the last administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and since government is a continuum, he sought the passage of the Bill to ensure the status of the Institute and Lecturers are guaranteed. It was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
3. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors of Nigeria for effective Regulation, Registration of Members and determination of what Knowledge and Skills that a Practitioner is required to attain in Order to Qualify to Practice as a Forensic and Investigative Auditor; and for Related Matters (HBs.1540, 1340 and 1455) (Senate (Leader), Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta and Hon. Kayode Oladele and Hon. Ekpoattai I. Owoidighe) – Second Reading.
Bill stepped down by Leave of the House.
4. A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015, to Address the Lacuna that may be easily Exploited by Tobacco Industry in Nigeria and to Cure certain Defects in the Act, ensure its Effective Implementation in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1176 and 1503) (Hon. Muhammed Tahir Monguno) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Tahir Monguno Moved for Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Idris Ahmed. Hon. Monguno stated that that Laws governing the Tobacco Act are moribund and the Bill seeks to correct some of these leakages in the Act such as the cost of taxes levied on tobacco companies is so minimal that it does not discourage the production and usage of tobacco, this he said is unlike what is obtainable in developed societies. The Bill seeks to administer funds that help in research of ways of reducing paublic hazards of tobacco usage as well as the reorientation of the youths to discourage the dangerous habit of smoking. Hon. Edward Pwajok stated that the Tobacco Act as it is can be considered at best as draconian and urgently needs Amendment. He praised the timeliness of the Bill so as to safeguard the health of the youth in Nigeria to discourage tobacco exposure and abuse and make it undesirable to use tobacco. It was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and referred to the House Committee on Healthcare Services.
5. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to increase the Retirement Age of Judicial Officers Appointed to Other Courts other than the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal; and for Related Matters (HB. 1254) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem –Abonta) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Uzoma Abonta Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Chukwuka Onyema. In leading the debate, Hon. Abonta stated that the Bill aims to bring to par the retirement age of Judicial Officers appointed to the stipulated Courts with what should be right. He pointed out that there is need for the increase in age of retirement, as the Judges gain experience and get better with age, if health does not hinder them, he stated that the Judges should be let to serve the Legal system. The Bill was voted on, passed for Second Reading and referred to the House Special Ad-Hoc Committee on 1999 Constituation.
6. A Bill for an act to Amend the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy Act, No. 8 of 2017, to Provide for Amendment of the Interpretation Section to bring the Act in Conformity with Other existing Laws in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1496) (Hon. Gideon Gwani) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Gideon Gwani Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Segun Odebunmi. In leading the debate, Hon Gideon stated that Bill aims to Amend the original Act so that the Dental College is not restricted to just health matters and make it in conformation to other statutes so that it meets its general responsibility. The Bill was voted on, Passed for Second Reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
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MOTIONS
7. Rescission Of Clauses 1-26 of the Bill for an Act to Amend the Provisions of the Electoral Act, No. 6 of 2010; and for Related Matters, (HB. 1544), Pursuant to Order One, Rule 1(2) and Order Nine, Rule 1(6) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives:
Hon. E. Y Orker-Jev:
The House:
Notes that Clauses 1-26 of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was considered and adopted on Wednesday, 17 October, 2018 and deferred further consideration of the remaining clauses of the Bill;
Aware of certain new matters considered pertinent to the electoral process to be captured in the Bill to ensure transparent and credible 2019 Elections;
Resolves to:
Rescind its decision on Clauses 1-26 of the Bill for an Act to Amend the Provisions of the Electoral Act, No. 6 of 2010 and for Related Matters and re-commit the Bill to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Orker Jev Moved the Motion and it was Seconded by Hon. Aisha Dukku. The Motion was voted on and Passed.
8. Need to Investigate Increasing Rate of Adulterated Petroleum Products in Nigeria and its Negative Impacts:
Hon. Joseph Eghoghon Edionwele:
The House:
Notes that adulteration of petroleum products is the mixing of pure products with other substances, thus diminishing the quality of the original products;
Aware that recently as a result of greed for higher profits, marketers of petroleum products resorted to adulteration of Petroleum Products without putting into consideration the danger to consumers and consequent economic losses to the country;
Concerned that adulterated products can be dangerous to consumers who use the products as domestic fuel as well as for vehicles;
Worried that adulteration of the products causes serious health hazard to human life, the environment and properties;
Also aware that the negative effects of Petroleum products adulterated can result to significant loss in government revenue, and other economic losses;
Anxious to ensure that the security, safety and wellbeing of all citizens are protected and to safeguard government revenue from loss owing to the attendant effects of adulterated Petroleum products;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committees on Environment and Habitat and Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to prevail on the Regulatory Agencies to step up its activities in checkmating adulteration of petroleum products and to continually monitor such departments or Agencies as part of its oversight functions and report back to the House quarterly.
Debate
Hon. Joseph Moved the Motion and it was Seconded by Hon. Aminu Ashiru. In leading the Motion, Hon. Joseph stated that it is a well known fact that petroleum products have become heavily adulterated which has led to frequent loss of lives and properties. He urged the House Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream) to ensure the relevant Agencies remain alive to their responsibilities. Hon. Ogun Sergius in contributing to the debate stated that no serious foreign investor would come to a country where the regulations are not maintained, so he urged the House to take the Prayers of the Motion seriously. The Motion was voted on and Passed.
9. Urgent Need to Investigate the Failure of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in maintaining Standards and Professionalism of Accountancy, Complicity of ICAN Trained Accountants in Sharp Practices and Corruption and its implication on the Nigerian Economy:
Hon. Samuel Ikon:
The House:
Notes that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria ((ICAN) was established in 1965 by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria Act Cap. I, 11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004;
Also notes that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) is the premier professional body for the training of accountants and raising the standards of integrity, transparency, openness and accountability in the accounting profession in Nigeria;
Further notes that ICAN at inception had a vision to produce world-class Chartered Accountants, regulate and continually enhance their ethical standards and technical competence in the public interest and ensure accuracy and integrity of the Accounting Profession;
Aware that Section 1(1) (b) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria Act empowers the institute to determine what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the accountancy profession and raising those standards from time to time;
Also aware that Section 88 (1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) empowers the National Assembly to investigate the conduct of affairs of any person or authority executing or administering laws enacted by the National Assembly;
Further aware that ICAN has in its membership over 60,000 Chartered and Registered Accountants that are supposedly trained by the ethical standards determined by the Management of ICAN accounting for over 75% of all qualified Accountants currently practicing in Nigeria in Public and Private Sectors;
Concerned by the endemic nature of corruption and sharp practices in the financial systems in both public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy;
Worried by the increasing cases of financial crisis and corporate governance scandals due to failure of professional and proper financial reporting and lack of disclosures by auditors who are most times ICAN qualified Accountants;
Further worried that despite claims of accountability in the Accountancy profession by ICAN, Nigeria is still confronted by a complete failure of accountability, financial impropriety and corruption;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Commerce to investigate the alleged Failure of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in maintaining Standards and Professionalism of Accountancy, complicity of ICAN trained Accountants in Sharp Practices and Corruption and ascertain its implication on the Nigerian Economy and report back in 8 weeks for further legislative action.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORT (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE): Rt. Hon. Yussuff Lasun Presiding
10. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Provisions of the Electoral Act, No 6 of 2010; and for Related Matters (HB. 1544) (Hon. Aishatu Jibril Dukku) – (Committee of the Whole: 16/10/2018).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Aisha Dukku stated that the areas of the Bill in dispute for which the President declined assent was on erroneous cross references, qualifying language of some aspects of the Bill, the instance of the failure of a card reader to function and a fresh card reader cannot be deployed in 3 hours, the election will be cancelled and rescheduled within 24 hours, dateline for Primary elections and the omission of party’s logo from the ballot paper of elections. She stated that the Committee did a thorough work on the clauses for which the President had expressed reservations and declined assent and ask that the House consider and approve the recommendations therewith.
Sections voted on and Carried:
1, 9, 23, 44, 75, 78, 120, 140, 151, 156,
The Third Reading of the Electoral Bill was Moved by Hon. Tahir Monguno and Seconded by Hon. Orker Jev, it was read the Third time and Passed.
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HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House in Plenary adopted proceedings in the Committee of Whole
Adjournment
The House adjourned Plenary till Tuesday, November 6, 2018 by 11:00 Am
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives.
