Thursday 5 July, 2018 Plenary for House of Representatives
Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Thursday, July 5, 2018. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara presiding
After leading the opening prayer, the Speaker went on to examine and approve plenary votes and proceedings for Wednesday, July 4, 2018
PETITIONS
Hon. Mike Adeniyi brought a petition from his constituent who was a former Provost of a Federal College who is petitioning the Federal College for wrongful termination and withholding of his entitlements.
Hon. Agbonayinma Johnson brought a petition from various parties who were petitioning 1. the Federal Capital Territory for unlawful dismissal and the withholding of his entitlement, 2. another against the Special Asviser on the Presidential Amnesty Programme over the non-Payment of their entitlements from September 2007 till date, 3. another is from a complainant against the DPR for negligence in determining the cause of an oil spillage near their environment, 4. another from a Deltan against the SPDC for unlawful practices, 5. another from an individual against the Nigeria Police for wrongful dismissal.
Hon. Ayi Essien Ekpenyong brought a petition from his constituents against the management of Calabar Ports for unlawful practices and reckless behavior.
Hon. Kingsley Chinda brought a petition from a constituent against the management of Elf Nig. Ltd who was in the employ of the company and he was recently ejected from the office premises against Labour Laws because he stood for the rights of the staff.
Petitions referred to the Committee of Public Petitions
The House suspended its Rules to allow it take more than two Motions of Urgent Public Importance.
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Hon. Lovette Idisi Moved the Motion on the need for Shell Petroleum Company to return the Western operational Headquarters to Warri in Delta State. In 2013 SPDC gave the reason for the temporal relocation to be the rise in militia crises in Delta State, He therefore reminded SPDC that there has been peace in the region. Hon. Reyenieju Daniel in speaking to the Motion assured of the peace in the Niger Delta region and the unfortunate events of drilling oil sighted in the Niger Delta region from Lagos. The Motion was voted on and Passed.
Hon. Agbonayinma Johnson Moved the Motion on a market that was recently engulfed by fire in Edo State. Those affected are facing undue hardship due to their neglect. He therefore called on NEMA to come to their aid and supply them with relief materials. The Motion was voted on and Passed.
Hon. Kingsley Chinda Moved the Motion to investigate the circumstances behind the recent protest by some Mobile Police Officers in Brono State. He stressed that considering the security challenges in the Northeast and North central States, there is no reason why the Security personnel should be owed salaries. He spoke of the unsettling scenario the striking Police Officers had on the citizenry they are meant to be protecting. Hon. Hassan Saleh in supporting the Motion stated that it is a corrupt act for the leadership of the Police to refuse to pay stipends from funds already Appropriated for by the National Assembly. Hon. Nkem Abonta stressed that the House should do all it takes to ensure this doesn’t continue as the Police is a Federal outfit, and it means the incident that happened in Borno State can go ahead and happen in other States. Hon. Nuhu Danburam called on the Federal Government to do the needful and ensure that what led to such actions does not occur again. Hon. Chukwuka Onyema advised the Federal Government to be lenient and not just outrightly prosecute the striking Officers, instead to look for the root cause of their grievances, and do what can be done to remedy them to avert future occurrences, no need flogging a dying horse.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
Federal Capital Territory Statutory Appropriation Bill, 2018 (HB. 1506) (Executive) – First Reading.
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1507) (Hon. Shehu Aliyu Musa) – First Reading.
The Nigeria Shoreline Development and Protection Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2018 (HB. 1508) (Hon. Julius G. Pondi) – First Reading.
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate the Incident of the Senate Chamber Invasion:
Hon. Betty Apiafi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate the Incident of the Senate Chamber Invasion. (HR. 145/04/2018) (Referred: 24/04/2018).
Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Linus Okorie:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions -on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, Cap. F22 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. 1116)” (Referred: 14/11/2017).
Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Linus Okorie:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act, Cap. N98 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Commission (Establishment, etc.) Bill, to provide for Establishment of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Commission, the Registration and Administration of Co-operative Societies; and for Related Matters (HB. 887) (Referred: 15/6/2017).
Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Linus Okorie:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Research Institutes Act, Cap. N132 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to include the Establishment of the Shea Butter Research Institute; and for Related Matters (HB. 1271) (Referred: 25/1/2018).
Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Linus Okorie:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Veterinary Surgeons Act, Cap. V3 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Veterinary Surgeons Bill; and for Related Matters (HB. 836) (Referred: 10/10/2017).
Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Linus Okorie:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on 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 (Referred: 13/3/2018).
Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:
Hon. Linus Okorie:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Regulate the Profession of Agriculture and to make Provisions for the Establishment, Functions and Administration of Nigerian Institute of Agriculturists and for Related Matters (HB. 838) (Referred: 8/6/2017).
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education Gbongan, Osun State, to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management; and to Provide for Appointment of the Provost and Other Officers of the College to carry out the Administration and the Discipline of Students of the College; and for Related Matters (HB. 1376) (Hon. Ayo Omidiran) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Ayo Omidirian Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Nam Obi.
In leading the debate Hon. Omidiran stated that there is a great need for the establishment of the College of Education due to the numerous number of teachers and students in the area who have to travel far to teach and study respectively. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, No. 6, 2011 to Prescribe Social Corporate Responsibility Requirement by Companies; and for Related Matters (HB. 1314) (Hon. Abubakar Amuda-Kannike) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Kannike Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Samuel Onuigbo.
Hon. Kannike stated that the Bill seeks to uphold proper standards of doing business. He also stressed the need to enshrine Social Corporate Responsibility in the business procedures to ensure communities hosting businesses enjoy a symbiotic relationship and not a parasitic one. The Bill was Voted on, Passed and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education (Special) Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 1441) (Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu) – Second Reading.
Debate
Hon. Magaji Aliyu Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Danladi Mohammed.
Hon. Aliyu stated that the Bill seeks to ensure quality qualification of educational instructors, which in return will ensure quality educational impaction on students. He stressed that the Bill also seeks to plug lacunae in the educational structure usually overlooked by the Nigerian educational Agencies. The Bill was voted on, Passed and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.
MOTIONS
Need to Construct More Pedestrian Bridges on Major Highways in the Federal Capital Territory:
Hon. James Abiodun Faleke:
The House:
Notes that Pedestrian bridges are a common feature in cities across the world, constructed to reduce risk of accidents and save time that pedestrians waste by waiting for vehicles to clear in order to cross;
Also notes that the bridges are meant to provide safe means of crossing expressways and prevent the obstruction of free flow of traffic;
Aware that pedestrian bridges have been built at some junctions in the past in the Federal Capital Territory, but with an unexpected increase in population of satellite towns such as Jahi, Kubwa, and others springing up along major Expressways in the FCT, there is a rising need for construction of more bridges to ensure safety of pedestrians;
Concerned that with the construction of roads, more junctions and trouble spots emerged and since pedestrian bridges are not part of the original contracts, they often come up as an afterthought;
Observes that existing footbridges are built very far from each other, thereby forcing pedestrians to either trek long distances in order to cross them or just run across the expressways which further exposes them to danger;
Also observes that some of the trouble spots in the FCT include Jahi, and Kagini on the Kubwa expressway, and the Airport Road;
Also concerned that the existing pedestrian bridges are not secured and lack maintenance as pedestrians have to deal with stench from refuse dumped at and around the bridges;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to carry out a thorough inspection of trouble spots with a view to constructing more pedestrian bridges at the trouble spots and include the project in the 2018 FCT Statutory Appropriation proposal;
(ii) Also urge the FCDA and security agencies to provide cleaning services and security at the existing bridges.
(iii) Mandate the Committees on FCT and FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters to ensure compliance.
Debate
Hon. James Faleke Moved the Motion and was Seconded by Hon. Adamu Muazu, as a infrastructure related Motion, it was Voted on and Passed.
Need to Account for the Funds Spent on Information Technology by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs):
Hon. Iboro Ekanem:
The House:
Notes that the National Information Technology Agency (NITDA) has reported that Ministries, Government Departments and Agencies (MDAs) spend about $2 billion on Information Technology (IT) projects annually without commensurate results;
Also notes that it has been further reported that the demand for public funds to pursue IT projects has created and become a means to syphon public funds by corrupt individuals;
Aware that a recent investigation carried out by the National Information Technology Development Agency, showed that many IT projects were riddled with poor conceptualization without clear sustainability plans, thereby leading to duplication, waste, redundancies, and a conduit pipe to syphon public funds;
Worried that a great of the country’s financial resources is being hoarded to the benefit of a few individuals thereby damaging the country’s economy and reputation;
Disturbed that if no attention is given to this matter, it may pave way for corrupt practices to increase among MDA’s using lCT platform as a ground for official theft, breach of trust and misappropriations;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committees on Public Accounts and Finance to investigate the matter and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Hon. Ekanem Moved the Motion and it was Seconded by Hon. Zakari Ningi.
In leading the debate, Hon. Ekanem wondered how such a huge amount of public funds can be expended without results to show for it. He also pointed out that since the whole World is pro-information technology, it is not a time for funds appropriated to vital sectors like Information Technology to be misappropriated. He called for the sanctioning of M.D.As guilty of the diversion or misappropriation of such funds. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.
The House suspended its relevant Rules to allow the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Preside
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE): Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Presiding:
A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Education, Nsugbe to Provide Training and Teaching Instructions in every aspect of Education and such other Fields of Applied Learning relevant to the Needs of the Development of Education in Nigeria, Matters of Administration and Discipline of Students and for Related Matters (HB. 1067) (Hon. Tony Nwoye) — (Committee of the Whole 7/6/2018).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Nwoye stated that The Bill has to do with the upgrading of the Institution as its facilities are worn as a result of age. The Institution is a critical one as it seeks to impart knowledge in technological advancement.
Summary of Voting:
Clauses Voted on and Carried: 1-37
A Bill for an Act to Authorize the Provision of Free Pre-Natal and Post Natal Health Services to every Nigerian Woman Pregnant in Government Hospitals and for Related Matters (HB. 717) (Hon. Tony Nwoye) — (Committee of the Whole 7/6/2018).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Nwoye stated that The Bill is meant to establish health services to women and ensure the health of Nigerian women and children. As a medical practitioner he had witnessed where some people cannot afford even the basic, but quality healthcare services. It has also been discovered that Officials from Federal Government through the Ministry of Health do not properly utilize the funds that have been appropriated for such services.
Summary of the Vote:
Clauses Voted on and Carried: 2, 3, 5, 7-9
Clauses Amended and Carried: 1, 4 (except subsection 2), 6 Clauses Deleted: 4 (subsection 2)
Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Betty Apiafi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish the Dietitians Council of Nigeria to Regulate the Profession of Dietetics; and for Related Matters (HB.547) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid 8/6/2017).
Synopsis of the Report:
Hon. Apiafi stressed that Bill aims to ensure the standard of competence and knowledge of dietitians and ensure the right services aimed at ensuring Nigerians get the right diet prescriptions for special cases.
Summary of Voting:
Clauses Voted on Carried: 1- 30
HOUSE IN PLENARY:
The House in Plenary Considered and Adopted its Proceedings in the Committee of the Whole
Adjournment
The House adjourned Plenary till Tuesday, July 10, by 11:00 Am
