FEATURED

Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Thursday, April 11, 2019 with The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Presiding

April 11, 2019

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After leading the opening prayer, the Speaker went on to examine and approve Plenary Votes and Proceedings for Wednesday, April 10, 2019.
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ANNOUNCEMENT
Presidential Decision to decline Assent to the Nigeria Correction Service Bill 2019, because a proposed fund to be collected contravenes the sovereignty of the Judiciary
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MOTIONS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Hon. Kingsley Chinda Moved the Motion on the urgent need to investigate the killing of a Doctorate degree holder and other innocent civilians by members of the SARS Unit of the Nigeria Police and Military personnel in Rivers State during the just concluded general elections held in the State. The said individual was serving as an electoral officer in the elections. Hon. Frederick Agbedi expressed sadness at the manner in which the life of such a promising Nigerian who was impacting to the molding of leaders was cut short while on patriotic duties. He wondered why the security personnel flaunt the Laws that prohibit arm-carrying individuals of all forms from being near polling points. Hon. Toby Okechukwu wondered why a non-partisan individual such as an ad-hoc staff of INEC was gunned down without due cause. He also called on INEC to furnish the House on what they have done concerning the incident. He also expressed sadness with the wide spread insecurity that is prevalent nationwide. Hon. Sani Zorro stated that Nigeria at this stage of development should have attained violence free elections, but it seems subsequent elections get worse. It is also sad that law enforcement officers allow themselves to be used to harm Nigerians in such extrajudicial manners. Hon. Ogbeide-Ihama Omoregie addressed the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility in protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians. He also wondered why the Federal Government have not spoken out against the wasting of Nigerian lives. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
2. Hon. Sani Zorro Moved his Motion on the illegal acquisition of over 20,000 hectares of farmlands of villagers in Jigawa State by Chinese Miners backed by security agents, rendering over 4,500 of the villagers as internally displaced persons which is against the United Nations charter on the protection of the safety of citizens to ensure citizens are not forced off their homes to become displaced. Hon. Zorro stated that the same Chinese have systematically grabbed land in thousands of hectares in Jigawa, Niger, Kano and other Northern States. He also pointed out that the company does not respect Nigerian Labour Laws in the engagement of their staff. He asked for the thorough investigation of the incident. Hon. Adamu Abubakar in supporting the debate challenged the incoming Members of the 9th Assembly to check the Laws allowing foreigners to come to Nigeria and grab land and territory at the detriment of Nigerians. Hon. Goni Bukar attested to the massive acquisition of land by the Chinese company especially in the North without a clear agenda on what they need such massive land for. Hon. Muhammad Sani laid the blame in the unpatriotic nature of Nigerians and the desire for patronizing foreign products over indigenous ones. Hon. Aminu Suleiman in speaking against the Motion stated that the said region is one that is economically disadvantaged and the investment of the Chinese has economically engaged over 5,000 Nigerians and unless Labour Laws are really being violated; stopping the engagement of the Chinese company is tantamount to rendering these thousands of engaged Nigerians jobless and dooming those that depend on them to poverty. Hon. Frederick Agbedi also speaking against the Motion stated that Nigeria enjoys a very robust relationship with China and has on several occasions invited the Chinese to come and invest and unless Nigerian Laws are broken, he doesn’t see why Chinese investments should be victimized especially when the Chinese acquired the land from the respective State Governments. Hon. Solomon Maren wondered why the relevant State Houses of Assembly are not kicking against the Chinese company if they are actually acting in illegality. Hon. Sani Zorro raised a point of Order that as an investigative Motion, it should at least be investigated. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara stated that the Land Use Act prohibits the House from interfering on some aspects of the prayers of the Motion, so the House would move within its constitutional means. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
3. Hon. Mark Gbillah Moved the Motion on the need to investigate the resurgence of the incessant of massacre of Nigerians nationwide by perceived bandits and killer herdsmen. He expressed disappointment in the passive response to the Nigerian Armed Forces in tackling the bandits and in NEMA for not providing adequate relief to victims of the attacks. He prayed for a vote of no confidence on the present administration if it continues to fail on meeting its primary responsibilities to the citizenry. Hon. Sam Onuigbo expressed worry how it has become a norm where sacred human lives are lost nationwide without any seeming solution to it. Nigeria with all it’s resources he stated, has no business being under siege of armed groups. He therefore charged the Government of the day to live up to its billing. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
4. Hon. Solomon Maren Moved the Motion on the destruction of properties of his constituents by a recent thunderstorm. He lamented the fact that the affected individuals have had to take refuge in a church structure. He called for relief from NEMA so that the citizen’s needs are sustained and so that infectious diseases do not ravage them. He also prayed Government to send aid in ensuring they are retuned to their normal way of life. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

1. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:
Hon. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act, to include Colleges of Agriculture and Increase some Penalties and to include Tertiary/Teaching Hospitals and Private Universities as Beneficiaries of the Fund; and for Related Matters (HBs. 531, 620, and 868) (Referred: 22/2/2017).

2. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:
Hon. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Amend the University of Lagos Act, Cap. U9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to specify the Minimum Qualification for the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ownership of Intellectual Property and to Provide for Pre-action Notice to the University Authority; and for Related Matters (HB. 1106) (Referred: 26/10/2017).

3. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:
Hon. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Amend the University of Nigeria Act, Cap. U11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to specify the Minimum Qualification for the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ownership
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of Intellectual Property and to Provide for Pre-action Notice to the University Authority; and for Related Matters (HB. 1108) (Referred: 31/10/2017).

4. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:
Hon. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University, Birnin_Kebbi, Kebbi State as a Conventional University with Restricted Programmes and Limited and Focused Facilities to ensure Equity and Access to Tertiary Education in the Country; and for Related Matters (HB. 1161) (Referred: 19/12/2017).

5. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:
Hon. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto Act, Cap. U 14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to specify the Minimum Qualification for the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ownership of Intellectual Property and to Provide for Pre-action Notice to the University Authority; and for Related Matters (HB.1110)” (Referred: 24/10/2017).

6. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:
Hon. Aminu Suleiman:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Ahmadu Bello University (Transitional Provisions) Act, Cap. A14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Specify the Minimum Qualification of the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ownership of Intellectual Property and to Provide for Pre-Action Notice to the University Authority; and for Related Matters (HB. 1112)” (Referred: 29/3/2018).

7. Committee on Public Accounts:
Hon. K Chinda:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts on the Annual Report of the Auditor-General for the Federation, 2010” Pursuant to Order Eighteen Rule 6,(2)(i) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.

8. Committee on Science and Technology:
Hon. Beni Lar:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of National Agency for Technology Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 1366) (Referred: 14/3/2018)

9. Committee on Science and Technology:
Hon. Beni Lar:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST) (HB. 1347) (Referred: 22/2/2018).

10. Committee on Gas Resources:
Hon. Fredrick Agbedi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Gas Resources on Need to Investigate the Contract for the Upgrade of OML 58 Upgrade 1, the Execution of Obite-Ubeta-Rumuji (OUR) Pipeline and the Northern Option Pipeline Projects(HR. 178/05/2018) (Referred: 16/5/2018).

11. Committee on Gas Resources:
Hon. Fredrick Agbedi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Gas Resources on Need to Investigate the Contract for the Modification of the EGP 3B Production Platform following the Joint Venture Agreement between the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation and Chevron Nigeria Limited (HR. 173/05/2018) (Referred: 15/5/2018).

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ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Corporate Bodies (Members Emolument) Act, Cap. C 30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and for Related Matters (HB. 669) – Third Reading.

Debate
Hon. Mohammed Monguno Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Kayode Oladele. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Third Reading and the Clerk Read its Long Title.

2. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund Act, Cap. A11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Expand the Membership of the Board of the Fund to cover the Interests of Farmers, Increase the amount to be paid into the Fund, Raise the Commitment of the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria and Increase the Maximum Amount to attract a Waiver of Security Requirement For a Credit Granted; and for Related Matters (HB.239) – Third Reading.

Debate
Hon. Mohammed Monguno Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Edward Pwajok. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Third Reading and the Clerk Read its Long Title.

3. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Fisheries Research Institute of Nigeria, Ngo for Fishery Research, Education and Cooperative Training in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.1310) – Third Reading.

Debate
Hon. Mohammed Monguno Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Edward Pwajok. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Third Reading and the Clerk Read its Long Title.

4. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency with a view to Conducting Research in Areas of Ethno-Medical and Veterinary Surveys so as to Develop Comprehensive Inventory of Medicinal, Aromatic and Pesticidal Plants, Animal Parts, Minerals and other Bio-Diversities used in Natural Medicine in Nigeria and to Provide Research, Develop, Promote, Collate, Document and Preserve Nigeria’s Indigenous (Traditional) Healthcare Systems, Medications and Non-Medications Healing Arts, Sciences, Technologies, Bio-Resources and Facilitate their Integration into the National Healthcare Delivery System; and for Related Matters (HBs. 1219 – Third Reading.

Debate
Hon. Mohammed Monguno Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Kayode Oladele. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Third Reading and the Clerk Read its Long Title.

5. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Capital Territory College of Agriculture; and for Related Matters (HB. 309) – Third Reading.

Debate
Hon. Mohammed Monguno Moved for the Third Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Sam Onuigbo. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Third Reading and the Clerk Read its Long Title.

6. A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Food Safety Council and the National Food Safety Management Committee for the Official Control of Food and Feed Safety, the Obligations of Food and Feed Business Operators and Define the Functions and Powers of Institutions of Governments with the Objective of Ensuring that Food and Feed Safety Risks are Effectively Managed, and for Related Matters (HB.1598) (Leader) – Second Reading.

Item stepped down by leave of the House for further Legislative scrutiny.

7. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Counselling Practitioners Council of Nigeria to Conduct Qualifying Examinations, Regulate the Counselling Profession; and for Related Matters (HB. 1603) (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Mohammed Monguno Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Sam Onuigbo. In leading the debate, Hon. Monguno stated that the Bill emanated from the Senate and was seeking concurrence. He pointed out that the place of counseling in schools cannot be overemphasized, so qualified individuals are needed to both regulate and practice in the profession so that students can be properly guided on choosing careers and sectors of impact. He urged Members to support the Bill. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

8. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Education, Aguleri; and for Related Matters (HB. 1617) (Senate) Leader) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Mohammed Monguno Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Sunday Adepoju. In leading the debate, Hon. Monguno stated that the Bill emanated from the Senate and was seeking concurrence. He stated that all discussions for the establishment for educational institutes are critical for development of the citizens of the country as it leads to more rapid development of the human capital. He therefore urged Members to pass the Bill. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

9. 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, Hon. Kayode Oladele and Hon. Ekpoattai I. Owoidighe) – Second Reading.

Debate
Hon. Mohammed Monguno Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Nkem Abonta. In leading the debate, Hon. Monguno stated that the clamor for the establishment of the proposed Institute is against the backdrop of the fact that fraudsters have taken their fraudulent acts to a more sophisticated level using technology to hoodwink Law enforcement agencies especially in financial fraud cases, where they attempt to tamper with, or manipulate evidence to favor well endowed criminals. Hon. Nkem Abonta as a co-sponsor of the Bill stated that the Bill is aimed principally in promoting transparency and curbing corruption. The Bill he stated seeks to instill the much needed sense of responsibility, wholistic approach and competence in those using forensics to investigate criminal cases. Hon. Kayode Oladele in supporting the Bill stated that he could attest to the robust consulting the Senate applied in engaging stakeholders and he was convinced that the spirit behind the Bill is one aimed at helping NIgeria to really fight corruption. He expressed sympathy to chartered accountants who kick against the Bill due to the auditing aspects, he however pointed out that the requirements of the forensic auditor gives them the ability to accurately audit data. He also praised the wide areas of professionals involved in varying sectors of forensic analysis and auditing. Hon. Idris Ahmed stated that if the term auditors is the only grouse, it should be removed and the important Bill should be Passed. He reminded Members that foreign forensic auditors are normally engaged with foreign currency and now Legislation is blocking Nigerians from being certified to render the same service. The same view was put forward by Hon. Edward Pwajok who also reminded Members that it was the same way ICAN fought the creation of ANAN and time has shown that ANAN doesn’t infringe on the duties of ICAN. Hon. Nicholas Ossai stated that forensic auditors are certified specialists in their own rights who apply special tools in uncovering crime and tracing its roots and beneficiaries. Hon. Pally Iriase in speaking against the Bill stated that the Bill should have come as one seeking to establish a Body of forensic investigators, it would have been ok, but bringing it under auditing is dabbling into specific accounting realms. Hon. Amadi Dennis stated that the requisite Internal Control System needed to successfully audit is only obtained through the accounting profession, so forensics investigators who are not accountants cannot be said to audit. The Speaker adjourned the debate till the next Legislative date so that real consultations can be carried out to ensure the House Passes the best form of the Bill.
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MOTIONS

10. Fire Incident that Destroyed the New Market in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State:
Hon. Umar Muhammed Rofia:

The House:

Notes the unfortunate fire incident which occurred in the night of 24 February, 2019 and destroyed the New Market in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State;
Also notes that despite rescue efforts by the community to salvage the situation, not much success could be achieved as the market was completely burnt down;
Aware that even though no lives were lost in the fire incident, goods and other valuable properties worth Millions of Naira were completely destroyed;
Concerned that the fire incident has left its victims totally devastated and helpless as their means of livelihood were totally destroyed in the inferno with its attendant negative consequences on the socio-economic lives of the people;
Informed that if immediate steps are not urgently taken by Federal Government to assist the victims with the needed relief materials and financial assistance, they would be further exposed to untold hardships and misery;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected victims;

(ii) Mandate the Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance and report back to the House within 14 days for further legislative action.

Item stepped down by leave of the House due to the absence of the Mover of the Motion.

11. Need to Save Equipment worth Billions of Naira Provided by the Amnesty International for the Training of Niger Delta Youths:
Hon. Oghene Emma Egoh.

The House:

Notes that the Committee on Niger Delta Ministry reported that equipment worth Billions of Naira provided by the Amnesty International for the training of Niger Delta Youths were being vandalized at Kiama in Bayelsa State;

Aware that the Federal Government of Nigeria has invested huge amount of money on the training of Niger Delta Youths to forestall further escalation of militancy in the Niger Delta Area, a situation that has engendered relative peace, thus ensuring stability in Oil Production in Nigeria;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to investigate the alleged vandalization of equipment worth Billions of Naira provided by the Amnesty International for the training of Niger Delta Youths and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Item stepped down by leave of the House due to the absence of the Mover of the Motion.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Presiding

12. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Postal Service Act, Cap. N127, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Establish the Nigeria Postal Commission to make Comprehensive Provisions for the Development and Regulation of Postal Services; and for Related Matters (HB. 1563) (Senate) (Leader) – (Committee of the Whole:13/12/2018).

Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Edward Pwajok stated that the Bill is one seeking concurrence from the Senate and the Bill is critical to the optimum function of the postal service sector and to regulate especially courier services and to ensure sanity and sincerity in service delivery in accordance to global best practices

Summary of Voting:
Clauses Voted on and Carried: 1-73

13. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act, Cap. N118, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Bill to Facilitate the Effective Implementation of the Commission’s Law Reform Proposals and Enhance its Performance; and for Related Matters (HB. 1577) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) (Committee of the Whole: 19/3/2019).

Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Ahmed Idris pointed out to Members that the Bill seeks to reenact the Law Commission Act for the proper usage of Nigerian Law books as certified terms of reference to make Lawmaking more direct

Summary of Voting:
Clauses Voted on and Carried: 1,3-7,9-15,17
Clauses Amended and Caried: 2,8,16

14. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 in Order to Provide for Offences and Penalties Relating to Computer Misuse and Cybercrime; and for Related Matters (HB. 706) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) (Committee of the Whole: 20/10/2016).

Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Edward Pwajok stated that the Bill seeks to Amend the Criminal Code Act to strengthen the Law in line with modern day realities of digital tools being applied in crime perpetrated and their investigations.

Consideration of the Report deferred to Tuesday, April 16 to enable the Committee on Rules and Business make adequate changes

15. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act, Cap. P9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 in Order to Provide for Offences and Penalties Relating to Computer Misuse and Cybercrime; and for Related Matters (HB. 707) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) (Committee of the Whole: 20/10/2016).

Consideration of the Report deferred to Tuesday, April 16 to enable the Committee on Rules and Business make adequate changes

16. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners and to make Provisions, among other things, for Membership and Control of the Profession of Social Work; and for Related Matters (HB. 1258) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) (Committee of the Whole:12/7/2018 ).