Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Thursday, May 20th, 2021

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presiding.

After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Deputy Speaker examined and approved the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

PETITION

Rep. Ben Roland Igbakpa presented a petition on behalf of a constituent, who sought House of Representatives’ intervention over a wrongful dismissal from work.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. Solomon Bob raised a Point of Order on Privilege over the utterance of Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami who compared the anti-open-grazing stance of the Southern governors to spare parts trading.
The lawmaker described the remarks by the Minister as ingenious because it was loaded with an ethnic slur and capable of causing public disaffection between two ethnic groups in the country, especially at this point the country is facing some socio-political and economic challenges.

The Presiding Officer, Deputy Speaker Wase ruled the lawmaker out of order for coming under the wrong House rule. He advised that the point raised by Rep. Bob could be brought to the floor as a motion and debated.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

The following Bills were read for the first time.

1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021(HB. 1353) (Hon. Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum) – First Reading.

2. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021(HB. 1354) (Hon. Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum) – First Reading.

3. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021(HB. 1355) (Hon. Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum) – First Reading.

4. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021(HB. 1360) (Hon. O. K. Chinda) – First Reading.

5. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021(HB. 1361) (Hon. O. K. Chinda) – First Reading.

Chuba Ikpeazu) – First Reading.

7. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021(HB. 1365) (Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu) – First Reading.

8. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021(HB. 1366) (Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu) – First Reading.

9. Fiscal Responsibility Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1367) (Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu) – First Reading.

10. Federal College of Nursing, Maiha (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1368) (Hon. Abubakar Magaji Ja’afar) – First Reading.

11. Pension Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1369) (Hon. Bamidele Salam) – First Reading.

12. Civil Service Recruitment (Regulation) Bill, 2021(HB. 1370) (Hon. Bamidele Salam) – First Reading.

13. Federal University of Agriculture, Akoko Edo (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1371) (Hon. Peter O. Akpatason) – First Reading.

14. Nigeria Electoral Offences Commission Bill, 2021(HB. 1372) (Hon. Aishatu Dukku) – First Reading.

15. Federal Medical Centre, Ufuma, Anambra State (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1373) (Hon. Okwudili Ezenwankwo) – First Reading.

16. National Assembly Service Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB.1374) (Hon. Abbas Tajudeen) – First Reading.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

1. Rep. Paschal Obi moved on behalf of Committee on Health Institutions for the presentation of the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Hong, Adamawa State; and for other Related Matters” (HB. 1264).

2. Rep. Paschal Obi moved on behalf of Committee on Health Institutions for the presentation of the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, Adamawa State; and for other Related Matters” (HB. 679).

3. Rep. Paschal Obi moved on behalf of Committee on Health Institutions for the presentation of the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Provide the Legal Framework to Establish the Federal Medical Centre, Mgbakwu, Anambra State; and for Related Matters” (HB. 811).

4. Rep. Paschal Obi moved on behalf of Committee on Health Institutions for the presentation of the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish National Agency for Sickle Cell Disease and other Heritable Blood Disorder (Prevention and Treatment) for the Treatment, Prevention, Control, Management of and Research on Sickle Cell Disease and other Heritable Blood Disorders in Nigeria; and for Related Matters” (HB. 708).

5. Rep. Paschal Obi moved on behalf of Committee on Health Institutions for the presentation of the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Billiri, Gombe State; and for other Related Matters” (HB. 677).

6. Rep. Paschal Obi moved on behalf of Committee on Health Institutions for the presentation of the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Provide the Legal Framework to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Igboho, Oyo State; and for Related Matters” (HB. 347).

7. Rep. Kolawole Lawal moved, on behalf of Committee on Ethics and Privileges for the presentation of the Report of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges on the Allegation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that N1 trillion was wasted on Constituency Projects” (HR.279/12/2019).

ORDERS OF THE DAY BILLS

1. Majority Leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the second reading of A Bill for the second reading of A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Technology, Manchok; and for Related Matters (HB. 1135).
It was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Fulata.

Debate
Rep. Ado-Doguwa said it was an Executive Bill aimed at empowering a less educated part of Zaria educationally. According to him, the institution would allow Zaria Emirate to bridge the existing educational gap.

Bill voted and passed.

The Clerk of the House of Representatives read the Bill for the second time.

2. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria Act, Cap. I11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Address Emerging Trends in the Nigerian Economic Environment; and for Related Matters (HB.1178) (Hon. Abubakar Yunusa Ahmad) – Second Reading.

Bill stepped down

3. Rep. Abbas Tajudeen moved for the second reading of A Bill for an Act to Alter the Second Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Transfer Drugs and Poisons from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List; and for Related Matters (HB.1247).

It was seconded by the Minority Whip Gideon.

Debate

Rep. Abbas said the Bill seeks to move drugs and poison from the Exclusive Legislative List to Concurrent Legislative List to allow State Houses of Assembly to legislate for easy administration and control. The lawmaker said all 36 state governments were in support of the Bill.

In his submission, Rep. Nicholas Ossai said it is a global standard that drugs and poison are not taken lightly and as such States should not be allowed to handle such sensitive matters. He canvassed that the issue is left on the Exclusive Legislative List to prevent the proliferation of fake drugs and abuse of poison.

Saying that the Bill is desirable, Rep. Olumide Osoba, noted States should be allowed to handle the issue while adding that certain drugs and poison that are unwholesome or misused should be listed.

Rep. Chikere Anayo said since poison is not mild analgesics, the issue should not be trivialized and be left where it is.

Rep. Ikengbolu Dele said an amendment to the List is unnecessary going by current global practices. According to him, drugs and poison must be nationalistic in outlook, adding that the country cannot afford States having strong legislation while others would have legislation. He said drugs and poison should be left in the Exclusive List.
Kolawole Lawal in his support of the Bill said the issue should be transferred to the Concurrent Legislative List as it would lead to the decentralization of administration of drugs and poison. This would enable the States to manage it better.

Rep. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta supported Bill noting that the Exclusive Legislative List is overloaded and is weighing down the Federal government.
He said a transfer of the issue to the Concurrent List will ensure that States handle administration and control better. He said the Federal government regulatory agencies do not have enough capacity to manage the issue while the States are currently constitutionally prohibited in
managing it.

While Rep. Musa Sarkin Adar supported the Bill saying that it should be allowed to go for a second reading to allow the public to have a say since the effect is felt at the grassroots, Rep. Toby Okechukwu noted that the malaise of drug abuse should be appreciated. He said there is a need for the House to make a knowledge-based decision on the issue through a public hearing where professionals would make their input.
House Leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa said all hands must be on deck on the issue. He said the prospect of the Federal and State governments having a say on the issue is more desirable as long as it won’t be left on the Residual List.

Bill voted and negatived.

4. Rep. Obinna Chidoka moved for the second reading of A Bill for an Act to Amend the Matrimonial Causes Act, Cap. M7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Increase the Amount to be paid as Penalty; and for Related Matters (HB.862)
Debate

Rep. Chidoka said there were two amendments proposed by the Bill over penalties from a fine of N2.00 to N5, 000 to discourage spouses and employers or employees rushing to courts for unimportant issues.
Rep. Aisha Duku supported Bill saying most times when there are matrimonial issues, women suffer more.

Bill voted and passed

Clerk read the Bill for the second time.

5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020; and for Related Matters (HB. 1060) Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo) – Second Reading.

Stepped down

6. Rep.Oluga Taiwo moved for the second reading of A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Patents and Designs Act, Cap. P2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Patents and Designs Bill; and for Related Matters (HB. 678)

Rep. Bede Eke Uchenna seconded the motion.

Debate
Rep. Oluga said the Bill seeks to help inventors and scientists and others in the country that tackle national issues. She regretted that Nigerians that have been contributing to global development were not protected. According to her, the extant 1971 Act is outdated as other nations have stepped up with ideas. She said the definition of Patent was absent in the extant law. There is a need to straighten the legal frameworks for intellectual property and boost our economy, she added.

Bill voted, passed and referred to Committee on Commerce.

7. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Otun, Ekiti; and for Related Matters (HB.649)). – Second Reading
Debate

Rep. Ibrahim Kunle Olanrewaju said the school is peculiar because agricultural implements and machinery are imported into the country that could not be maintained. This has been impacting negatively on the country, he noted. If passed into law, Rep. Olanrewaju said wastage would be discouraged while technological development would be enhanced.

Bill voted and passed

Clerk read the Bill for the second time and it was referred to Committee on Agricultural Services and Institutions

MOTIONS

8. Rep. Shoyinka Abiola Olatunji moved a motion on the Need to Investigate Transferred Debts Incurred by Old Electricity Customers to New Users by Distribution Companies in Nigeria:

Debate

The House: Aware of the constant complaints by electricity consumers on the poor services provided by
Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) which are also in the habit of transferring outstanding debts of old customer to new users;

Also aware that the Distribution Companies, which are responsible for the collection of payments for services rendered to consumers allow unpaid bills to accumulate, do not follow the laydown principles and guidelines by Regulatory Authorities towards unpaid bills and disconnection of non paying customers;

Concerned that if nothing is done to curb the act of transferring debts incurred by other consumers to new consumers, the later will continue to bear the burden of paying for the electricity they did not consume;

Resolves to:

(i) mandate the Committee on Power to engage the Distribution Companies and other relevant Regulatory Agencies to find a lasting solution and report within four (4); and

(ii) also mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

In his contribution, Rep. Ossai Nicholas Ossai identified DisCos and new electricity consumers and the key stakeholders in the motion. He said a House responsible to all Nigerians, it is the responsibility of an occupant of a building to pay his bills and if he refuses, there should be a penalty. Such penalty should not be transferred to new customers, he added.

Rep. Olumidfe Osoba moved an amendment that Prayer one should include another core Committee responsible for electricity.

Amendment was voted and adopted Rep. Toby Okechukwu also moved for an amendment that the Committee should investigate the status of the operation regarding prepaid meters roll out by the Federal government.

Amendment was voted and adopted

Motion was voted and adopted.

9. Need to Initiate a Bilateral Agreement with the United States of America on the Voluntary Transfer of Nigerians Convicted in America to Complete their Prison Sentences in Nigeria:

Hon. Obasa Tajudeen Adekunle:

Debate

The House: Notes that in recent times, there have been an avalanche of petitions, complaints and newspaper publications about many Nigerians who were convicted in the United States of America for various offences such as wire fraud, immigration law infractions and currency counterfeiting;

Also notes that many Nigerians in various prisons in the United States of America have indicated their willingness to come back home to complete their sentences through the window of transfer of prisoner’s protocol;

Further notes that the United States has bilateral and multilateral treaties and conventions on the transfer of convicted persons with many countries of the world including Ghana but Nigeria never acceded to any of those Agreements;

Recalls that the International Prisoner Transfer Program began in 1977 after the Congress enacted the enabling legislation through which the US government negotiates the transfer of prisoners from countries in which they had been convicted and sentenced of crimes to their home countries; Informed that as of 9 January 2014, there existed a Bilateral Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the transfer of sentenced persons;

Also informed that the 2014 Bilateral Agreement between Britain and Nigeria was ineffective and moribund because of the mandatory clause in the Agreement which did not recognize the consent of the prisoners before their transfer to their countries of origin;

Aware that by Resolution 13 adopted by the Sixth United Nation’s Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, members of the United Nations were urged to consider the establishment of procedures where transfer of offenders might be effected;

Also aware that in order to smoothen the process of transfer of prisoners from foreign countries to their countries of origin, the executive arms of governments should initiate enabling laws which will provide the platform for bilateral treaties with the United States of America and any other nation which Nigeria may seek its cooperation for prisoners’ transfer;

Cognizant that transferred prisoners are likely to fare better in their home countries when they serve their sentences at home and can be rehabilitated, re-socialized and reintegrated into the communities better than elsewhere;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to initiate and fast track an executive bill and a treaty on the transfer of sentenced persons in the United States of America to return to complete their sentences in Nigeria;

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in the U.S. to be more proactive on matters affecting Nigerians in that country whenever they are in distress;

(iii) further urge the Federal Ministry of Justice, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to create desks in their respective offices that will be saddled with matters relating to the International Transfer of Prisoners Protocol;

(iv) mandate the Committees on Justice, Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to ensure compliance and report within four (4) weeks.

Motion stepped down.

10. Rep. Johnson Egwakhide Oghuma moved a motion on the Need for Establishment of African Regional Parliamentary Assembly of the Sahel and Sahara Member States on the Great Green Wall

Debate
The House: Notes the African Union Declaration, 137 VIII of 2010 wherein Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Sudan signed a Convention in Ndjamena, Chad to create the Great Green Wall (GGW) Agencies in their various States; Also notes that the establishment of the Great Green Wall Agencies in member States in recent times has given rise to an integrated ecosystem management approach;

Aware that the GGW initiative has revived interest in sustainable land management in the Sahel and North of the Sahara and has galvanized action to implement the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and has leveraged a high degree of political will and leadership from member States;

Also aware that those actions have increased awareness and several donors have also mobilized substantial investments which are offering opportunities for rapid progress, hence the need to sustain the momentum gained over the years by improving the legislative interface by member States to overcome past mistakes;

Cognizant that the purpose of the Project is the greater implementation of policies for sustainable land management in the Sahel (Great Green Wall countries) through enhanced investments, inter- sectoral coordination and engagement of marginalized groups;

Resolves to:

(i) Request the Hon. Speaker to take the lead to reach out to Speakers of other Member States with a view to establishing an African Regional Parliamentary Assembly of the Sahel and the Sahara Member States on the Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI);

(ii) urge the Minister of Environment to liaise with his counterparts in the Great Green Wall States to enlist the African Regional Parliamentary Assembly of the Sahel and the Sahara Member States on the Great Green Wall as an agenda for discussion during the next meeting of the Conference of Heads of States and Governments of Great Green Wall via the Council of Ministers;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Environment to ensure compliance.

Motion voted and adopted.

11. Call on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to Suspend the Proposed Increase in Electricity Tariff:

Rep. Aniekan Umanah:

Debate
The House: Recalls that the Electric Power Sector Act of 2005 established the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission with a mandate to license Distribution Companies (DISCOs), determine operating codes and standards, establish customer rights and obligations and set cost-reflective industry tariff;

Also recalls that the Act prescribed its funding from 15% of electricity charges paid by customers to Distribution Companies; Aware that NERC, working with Distribution Companies, has increased electricity tariffs five times since 2015, the latest being on 1 January 2021;

Also aware that despite those increases, Nigerians have not enjoyed significant improvement in power generation, instead they daily grapple with epileptic services from the DISCOs and unilateral exploitation in the name of estimated billing arising from non- metering of over 50% of consumers;

Observes that poor services by the DISCOs have impacted negatively on the socio-economic growth of the country as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Report of 2020 on Nigeria indicated that the manufacturing sector lost over $200 billion to inadequate power supply while a whopping $21 billion was said to have been spent by Nigerians on generating sets within the period under review;

Further observes that the Nigerian masses have gone through so much hardship in recent times arising from acts of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, farmers and herdsmen’s crisis with its toll on agricultural activities, displacement from ancestral homes, loss of loved ones, starvation arising from inability to return to daily occupation and loss of personal properties running into several million of naira;

Concerned that at a time governments all over the world are adopting measures to cushion the devastating effects of the dreaded COVID–19 pandemic on their citizens by providing a wide range of palliatives to losses of loved ones, jobs, businesses and general distortion in the social life, NERC is tinkering with the idea of a further increase in electricity tariff after that of 1 January, 2021, in a country where 2/3 of the 200 million population is grappling with the crippling effects of the pandemic;

Also concerned that the current economic recession made worse by hyperinflation has resulted in skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs, while the increase in prices of Petroleum Products has also triggered the further increase in transport costs and rents with unemployment rates at a frightening 33.3% while the spending power of an average Nigerian has drastically reduced, any further hike in electricity tariff at this time will amount to overkill, lack of empathy and height of insensitivity;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Government to direct the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to rescind the decision to further increase electricity tariff proposed for June, 202l in view of the hard times Nigerian masses are currently going through;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Power, Poverty Alleviation and Labour, Employment and Productivity to ensure compliance.

Motion voted and adopted.

12. Rep. Sergius Ose Ogun moved a motion for a Call on the Federal Government to Ensure Speedy Resolution of the Lingering Strike Action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN)

Debate
The House: Notes that Section 4(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that the National Assembly shall have the power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the federation or any part thereof;

Also notes that on 6 April, 2021, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) embarked on an indefinite strike owing to the failureof government to implement financial autonomy for the Judiciary in line with constitutional provisions and the judgement of the Federal High Court;

Concerned that the strike, which has persisted for over a month, has paralyzed the functions, operations and activities of all courts in Nigeria, thereby shutting the door on access to justice against Nigerians;

Aware that the Judiciary is a critical component of the government that is saddled with the responsibility of adjudication of disputes which facilitates the smooth running and functioning of the State and as such, the closure of courts portends grave danger to the polity and is capable of exacerbating the current security situation in the country;

Also concerned that the strike has contributed to the overcrowding of police cells and correctional facilities across the country as inmates are unable to go for trial or even get bail, as well as festering of disputes between private citizens as there is no judicial forum to submit their grievances for resolution;

Appreciates the Federal Government and some States Governments for the steps they have taken so to resolves the dispute so that the strike can be called off;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Government and Government of the States to speedily intervene and resolve the lingering strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN);

(ii) mandate the Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity and Judiciary to interface with the Minister of Labour and Employment and the Attorney–General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice on steps taken to address the matter and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Uzoma Nkem- Abonta moved for an amendment for the reduction of the investigative period to two weeks.

Amendment voted and adopted..

Ifeanyi Chudi Momah also moved for an amendment to Prayer 2 that FCT Judiciary and Justice Committees should be included in the investigation.

Amendment voted and adopted

Motion voted and adopted as amended.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase Chairing.

13. Rep. Gideon Gwani moved for the consideration of A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Capital Territory Transport Authority; and for Related Matters (HB. 890) (Hon.– Committee of the Whole.

Rep. Gwani noted that the Bill Seeks legal backing for an existing transport system in Abuja that would ensure that infrastructure and framework for operators and others are put in place. According to him, there are similar Transport Authorities in the States with legal authority which Abuja is lacking.

Chairman of the Committee, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase observed that the Bill was passed by the last National Assembly but returned by the Presidency.
According to him, there is a need to know the identified problems and the reason for its rejection by the President. He urged the Committee to liaise with the Clerk for more on Bill

Bill stepped down for further legislative consultation.

14. Rep. Abbas Tajudeen moved for the consideration of A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Council for Management Development Act, Cap. N99, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and the National Centre for Economic Management and Administration Act, Cap. N14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Council for Management Development Bill; and for Related Matters (HB. 1119)
It was seconded by Rep. Babatunde Adejare

Rep. Abbas in his synopsis said it’s a formalization process as the Federal government has taken steps to merge the two agencies, adding that the Bill was passed by the 8th Assembly but not accented to. He said areas of concern have been addressed.

All 25 clauses adopted.

15. Rep. Munir Babba Dan Agundi moved for the consideration of A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters (HB. 69).

Rep. Agundi said lapses inherent in the Bill have been identified and addressed. The Bill seeks to take care of agriculture institutions under the Ministry, he said.

All 17 clauses adopted

16. Rep. Paschal Obi moved for the consideration of the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Health Infrastructure Development Bank to Enhance and Promote the Health and Wellbeing of Nigerians of all Walks of Life, to Boost Local Healthcare Capacity and for Related Matters (HB. 908) and approve the recommendations therein.

It was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yahaya.
Rep. Obi in his synopsis said the establishment Bill is to help promote and boost healthcare in the grassroots and as well as infrastructure at all level

All 23 minus clauses adopted except clause 8 on powers of the board.

17. Rep. Tanko Sununu: moved for the consideration of the Report of the Committee on Healthcare Services Report on a Bill for an Act to Amend the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act, Cap. N1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, to Provide for the Payment of all Monies Received by the Agency into the Federation Account in Accordance with Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended); and for Related Matters (HB. 168) and approve the recommendations therein

Rep. Sununu in his brief said among other observations, currently, there is neither any provision for satchel water nor for emergency during a pandemic, which makes the Bill imperative.

All 32 clauses adopted

Deputy Leader, Rep Peter Akpatason moved that Committee of the Whole revert to plenary

PLENARY

The report of the Committee of the Whole was voted and passed.

Deputy Leader Peter Akpatason moved for the adoption of the Reports

Motion voted and passed

Presiding Officer, Deputy Speaker Wase announced that the Security Retreat organized by the Special Security of the House would commence on Monday 24th May, 2021.

He said House would adjourn plenary for the week to allow members to attend the summit.

He said communication would be sent to members on the zonal public hearing on the Constitutional Review exercise in due course.

Deputy Leader Peter Akpatason moved for an adjournment of plenary to June 1, 2021

It was seconded by Rep Bawa Jawa

House adjourned Plenary to Tuesday 1 June 2021 at 11 am

Courtesy:
Media Office, Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.