The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Thursday, December 2nd, 2021
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PETITIONS
1. Rep. Haruna Dederi laid a petition from 8 complainants under the coalition of parents of foreign-trained medical doctors in respect of some wrongdoings in NDCF examinations and for the outrageous increase in examination fees. They called on the House to intervene on their behalf.
2. Rep. Muktar Ahmad laid 6 petitions against the Nigeria Police, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), AGIP etc. on varying infringements.
Both petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions
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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Idem Unyime moved a motion on the need to condemn the trend of inhuman treatments at boarding schools nationwide and a call for comprehensive investigation into the activities in the boarding system. It was seconded by Rep. Ibrahim Obanikoro.
Rep. Idem in leading the debate expressed sadness at the recent death of 12-year old Sylvester Oromoni whose demise was from internal injuries and complications as a result of bullying he received for refusing to join a cult group. He also mentioned the death of a young man and lady who also died from assaults received in boarding schools. He stated that an expert recently bemoaned the negative influence of peer pressure on students in boarding schools recently. Rep. Idem urged the Federal Ministry of Education to set up guidelines for proper conducts in schools nationwide. He also called on the Police to ensure speedy investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators and that the relevant Committees of the House should ensure compliance.
Rep. Obinna Chidoka proposed an amendment calling on the House to observe a minute silence for the deceased and commiserate with the parents of the victims. He also called for all measures to be put in place to ensure Nigerian schools remain safe.
Rep. Ibrahim Obanikoro stated that the Sylvester case occurred in his constituency and called for the enforcement of guidelines for proper conduct in boarding schools. He stressed that those found culpable of wrongdoing should be put on a national/international no-fly list and that the school should remain shut until the investigation is complete.
Rep. Kolade Akinjo called for the proper regulation of public/boarding schools so that such widespread ills ceases in Nigerian schools.
Rep. Abubakar Fulata proposed an amendment to let the relevant Committee handle the investigation.
Rep. Blessing Onuh proposed an amendment calling on social workers be given a proper place in the prayers of the motion, by sending them to schools to sensitize Nigerians on the danger of of bullying.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
2. Rep. Ndudi Elumelu moved a motion on a call to immediately address the manner in which Nigerians are being treated badly by countries who should be allies and it was seconded by Rep. Nnoli Nnaji.
Rep. Elumelu stated that the recent racist-like ban on Nigerian travelers by the United Kingdom will have several negative effects on Nigerian travelers and students, especially during the Yuletide when families desire to spend quality time together. He expressed worry why such energy was not put into scientifically dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Rep. Elumelu worried why the United Kingdom government did not adopt the measure by the United States to ask travelers to take Covid-19 tests before entering into their country? He expressed further worry at the economic loss that will be suffered by intended travelers who have already procured tickets for U.K during this period. He called on the House Committees on Foreign Affairs as well as that on the Covid-19 task force to liaise with the British government to see a reversal of the travel ban.
Rep. Garba Muhammed in supporting the motion condemned the travel ban on Nigeria by the UK and wondered why they always treat Nigerians with contempt. He called for Nigeria to review it’s membership of the Commonwealth.
Rep. Olajide Jimoh in supporting the motion termed the hasty and drastic ban on Nigerian travelers as one of injustice that should be redressed. He also stressed the racist connotation of the ban.
Rep. Nicholas Ossai called for a compassionate and diplomatic solution to the problem especially as both nations are members of the Commonwealth.
Rep. Henry Nwawuba stated that the ban on Nigerian travelers is akin to putting the cart before the horse. He called for a diplomatic solution to the issue.
Rep. Dachung Bagos called for fairness in the way countries treat Nigerians and for Nigeria to react in like manner to the way countries treat Her as relationships are suppose to complimentary.
Rep. Gboluga Dele called for thoroughness in ensuring the Nigeria healthcare system is improved so that other nations can have more confidence in Nigeria’s preparedness in dealing with issues such as pandemics.
Rep. Onofiok Luke wondered why different countries have taken to treating Nigeria badly recently? He called for the fixing of Nigeria’s infrastructure so that the mass exodus of Nigerians abroad can cease. He called for the immediate inward look so that Nigeria can indeed be developed.
Rep. Toby Okechukwu called for the development of proper protocol to deal with pandemics. He bemoaned the economic loss that will be suffered by those who have already made travel plans only to get banned without refund. He called for the intervention of the House to have the ban reversed. Rep. Okechukwu called for proper research so Nigeria can produce indigenous vaccines for these infectious diseases and their variants.
Rep. Aminu Suleiman called for an internal self-assessment following the pronunciation that Nigeria was connected in any way to the omicron variant. He wondered why the Nigeria Center for Disease Control accepted the strain being in Nigeria when there was no evidence to support this? He stated that the British government, though acted rashly but it was a reaction to Nigeria’s inaction.
Rep. Nnolim Nnaji stressed that the issue is a wake up call for Nigerians to fix Nigeria. He reminded that the ill-treatment of Nigerians seem to be widespread among different countries. He called for the fixing of all critical sectors of Nigeria to avoid future embarrassments.
Speaking against, Rep. Johnson Oguma noted that the British government were only acting in self preservation and that this is a call to order for Nigerians. He called for proper vaccination of Nigerians. Rep. Johnson further called for seriousness on the part of Nigerians to battle the pandemic. He called on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to ascertain the cost of the travel ban.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Wase stressed that one of the key duties of parliament is to ensure the rights of Nigerians home and abroad are not trampled on, and to redress this whenever and wherever this happens.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Survey Co-ordination Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1758) (Rep. Nkeiruka C. Onyejeocha) – First Reading.
2. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 and 1978 Protocol (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1759) (Rep. Nkeiruka C. Onyejeocha) – First Reading.
3. Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1760) (Rep. Nkeiruka C. Onyejeocha) – First Reading.
4. National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1761) (Rep. Nkeiruka C. Onyejeocha) – First Reading.
5. Halliru Dantoro University of Fisheries, New Bussa (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1762) (Rep. Jaafaru Muhammed) – First Reading.
6. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1763) (Rep. Jimoh Ojugbele) – First Reading.
7. Nigerian Mental Health Bill, 2021 (HB. 1764) (Rep. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori) – First Reading
8. Mental Health Bill, 2021 (HB. 1765) (Rep. Adejare Samuel Babatunde) – First Reading.
9. FCT Compensation, Resettlement and Welfare Board (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2021(HB. 1766) (Rep. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi) – First Reading.
10. National Public Safety Board (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1767) (Rep. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi) – First Reading.
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PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Committee on Privatization and Commercialization:
Rep. Ibrahim Makama Misau:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Privatization and Commercialization on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Public Enterprises (Privatization and Commercialization) Act, Cap. P38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Public Assets Reform Bill, 2021 for Improved Efficiency and Management of Public Assets in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1470) (Referred: 28/9/2021).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Makama Misau and seconded by Rep. Kolade Akinjo
2. Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values:
Rep. Olusegun Odebunmi:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values on A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Advertising Practitioners (Registration, Etc.) Act, Cap. A7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Advertising Practitioners (Registration, Licensing, Etc.) Bill for Establishment of a Council for Advertising Practitioners as the Apex Regulatory Authority for the Nigerian Advertising Profession and Practice and Ensure Smooth Operations of the Council; and for Related Matters (HBs. 137& 518) (Referred: 23/3/2021).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Odebunmi Segun and seconded by Rep. Johnson Oguma
3. Committee on Aviation:
Rep. Nnoli Nnaji:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Aviation on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Act, Cap. N96, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Bill to Provide for its Organisation, Council and Operations; and for Related Matters (HB. 463)” (Referred: 12/5/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Nnoli Nnaj and seconded by Rep. Benjamin Kalu
4. Committee on Aviation:
Rep. Nnoli Nnaji:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Aviation on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Nigerian Safety Investigative Bureau for the Regulation, Prevention and Providing Effective Administration for safety Investigation in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 465)” (Referred: 12/5/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Nnoli Nnaj and seconded by Rep. Benjamin Kalu
5. Committee on Aviation:
Rep. Nnoli Nnaji:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Aviation on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Act, Cap. N90, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Bill for the purposes of Providing Efficient Air Navigation Services in Nigeria, Ensuring Safety and Regulation of Air Navigation in Nigeria and to any other place which Nigeria has Responsibility of Providing Air Navigation Services; and for Related Matters (HB. 462)” (Referred: 12/5/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Nnoli Nnaj and seconded by Rep. Benjamin Kalu
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act for Certain Rights and Privileges for Older Persons, to Provide Health, Economic Reliefs and to Protect their Social and Civil Rights; and for Related Matters (HB. 1263) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Olajide Jimoh.
The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
2. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Human Rights Commission Act, Cap. N46, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended) and Enact the National Human Rights Commission Bill to strengthen the Commission to conduct Investigations and Sustain Activities in Nigeria; and for Related Matters – Third Reading. (HB. 1072) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Emerengwa Sunday.
The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
3. 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.1337) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Muraina Ajibola.
The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.
4. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Capital Territory Customary Court Act, 2007 to Alter the Quorum of the Court for the Purpose of Ensuring Timely Dispensation of Justice, Expand the Criminal Jurisdiction of the Court; and for Related Matters (HB. 1592) (Senate) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Ali Abdulmumin.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
5. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Eye Centre, Iruekpen, Ekpoma for the Prevention and Cure of Eye Defects and Diseases and to Establish a Board to Govern the Centre and an Academic Committee to take charge of the Centre’s Academic Affairs; and for Related Matters (HB. 1390) (Rep. Joseph Eghoghon Edionwele) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Joseph Edionwele moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Tajudeen.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies Act, 2011; and for Related Matters (HB. 634) (Rep. Francis Charles Uduyok) – Second Reading.
Bill stepped down by leave of the House
7. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Legal Practitioners Act, Cap. L11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Legal Practitioners Bill to Provide for Reforms and Regulate the Legal Profession; and for Related Matters (HB. 1640) (Rep. Onofiok Luke and 25 others) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Onofiok Luke moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Kolade Akinjo. Rep. Onofiok stated that the Bill emanated from the body of benchers.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Justice.
8. A Bill for an Act to Upgrade the General Hospital, Okigwe to Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe; and for Related Matters (HB. 1603) (Rep. Miriam Onuoha) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Miriam Onuoha moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulganiyu Johnson.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
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MOTIONS
9. Call to Investigate the High Level of Corruption on Nominal Rolls of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the Country:
Rep. Dachung Musa Bagos:
The House:
Notes the Report of high level corruption being perpetrated in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the Country;
Aware that President Mohammadu Buhari, on 30 November, 2021 ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to take actions against Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other personnel involved in project racketeering, budget and payroll padding as well as ghost worker’s retention;
Also aware that the Chairman of the Independent and Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also stated that the review of the 2021 Budget led to the discovery of 257 duplicated projects with a combined worth of N20.138 billion;
Concerned that the corrupt practices are carried out in all facet of the activities of the MDAs, with the highest list been the issue of payroll padding and ghost workers’ retention, these funds find their way into the pockets of the Chief Executives, Officers/ Heads of the MDAs at the expense of the nation;
Also concerned that this corrupt practices have diverted the country’s revenue meant to be channelled into economic development and capital projects;
Appreciates the efforts of the present administration to curb or eradicate corruption in the country;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Anti–Corruption to investigate the issues of nominal rolls, payroll padding, and fake employment in all Ministries and MDAs in the Country and report back within one week for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Abubakar Fulata clarified that when the motion was earlier taken; he was asked to make a clarification and report back to the House due to various amendments, especially the one by ICPC that numerous duplicated projects are found in the budget. An Ad-Hoc Committee was earlier set up to investigate a similar issue and the House sought clarification as to whether setting up this new Ad-Hoc Committee would be duplicating in nature. He stated that the mandate of the earlier Ad-Hoc Committee set up to investigate the issue was not met due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore the prayer to investigate the duplication of projects should be expunged to let the former Ad-Hoc Committee complete it’s mandate.
Rep. Mark Gbillah reminded members that the time elapsed makes the earlier Ad-Hoc Committee stand discharged of it’s responsibility on the matter.
The Deputy Speaker of the House noted the point of order and stated that the decision would be made to either extend the timeline for the former Ad-Hoc Committee or constitute a new one.
10. Need to Establish a Naval Security Outpost at Bagana Community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State:
Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims:
The House:
Notes that the clash between herders and the people of Agatu in 2013 led to the displacement of a large number of victims who relocated and settled at Bagana town in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, which shares boundary with Benue and Nasarawa States;
Also notes that Bagana, a riverine community is a famous business hub with one of the most outstanding cattle markets in the north–central zone, where trade by barter is still practiced, thus making life easier for the inhabitants who are predominantly farmers;
Further notes that the ancient town of Bagana has over 35 thousand inhabitants and comprises of diverse ethnic tribes such as Igala, Agatu, Hausa, Nupe, Yoruba, Ebira, Igbos, Kanuri and many others because of its vantage location and the numerous economic activities that take place;
Concerned that Bagana is currently bedevilled with insecurity as warring factions of the infamous Agatu crises who took refuge in Bagana are often clashing, which often result in the loss of lives and properties of members of the community;
Cognizant of the urgent need for the Federal Government to intervene and protect the people of Bagana;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Chief of Defence Staff to approve the immediate establishment of a Naval security outpost to man the vast waterways used by invaders;
(ii) also urge the Nigeria Police Force to establish a Mobile Police unit in the community for rapid responses;
(iii) mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Ibrahim Halims moved the motion on the need to establish a Naval security outpost at Bagana community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi state and it was seconded by Rep. Vincent Ofumelu.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
11. Suspected Rape and Murder of 14–Years Old Miss Keren–Happuch Aondodoo Akpagher:
Rep. Mark Terseer Gbillah:
The House
Notes the reported death of Miss Keren–Happuch Aondodoo Akpagher, a 14–year old SS1 boarding student of Premiere Academy, Lugbe, Abuja, who was allegedly raped and eventually died on 22 June 2021 from medical complications as a result of rape;
Also notes that Keren was reported to have taken ill on 16 June 2021, without adequate medical care by Premiere Academy, until the mother took her to a hospital in Wuse Zone 6 Abuja on 19 June 2021 where she eventually died three days later;
Worried that the Medical examination before her death revealed a condom lodged in her private part which had a milky effusion with the presence of dead spermatozoa within the fluid which had caused an infection that developed into sepsis;
Alarmed at the unwillingness of Premiere Academy to uncover the truth behind Keren’s death and the management media denial of previous cases of sexual harassment of students in the institution contrary to documentary evidence;
Also alarmed at the lack of proactive and thorough investigation by the Nigeria Police Force even after formal correspondence to the police by the deceased family’s lawyers and the allegations by Amnesty International of harassment and threat to the lives of Keren’s mother, Vivien Akpagher, her family and the leader of the Coalition of Gender–Based Violence Responders and his family over their public campaigns and advocacy demanding justice for Keren;
Disturbed that while the world recently observed the United Nations International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November 2021 with the theme “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now! which marked the launch of the 16–day campaign “Unite to End Violence against Women” from 25 November 2021 to 10 December 2021, Nigerian Authorities do not appear to recognize its obligation to adopt and implement appropriate measures to ensure women and girls are protected from all forms of violence including rape and sexual harassment considering the nation’s ratification of several Domestic, Regional And International Protocols and Charters on Women’s rights, ending Violence against Women and other Human rights laws including Section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which guarantees that no Nigerian shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment.
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate mysteries surrounding the death of Keren, allegations of harassment and threat to the life of Keren’s family and the leader of a Coalition of Gender–Based Violence and his family and carry out a DNA test, recover spermatozoa and test Premiere Academy staff to identify anyone liable and bring him to justice;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Woman Affairs, Human Rights and Police Affairs to invite stakeholders to investigate the following:
(a) Circumstances surrounding the death of Keren–Happuch Aondodoo Akpagher;
(b) allegations of the unwillingness of the Nigeria Police Force to initiate an investigation into the death of Keren;
(c) allegations of harassment and threat to the life of Keren’s family and the leader of an NGO and his family;
(d) Previous cases of sexual harassment at Premiere Academy Abuja;
(e) Other incidents of Violence against Women in Nigeria;
(f) probable lapses by other relevant agencies handling the incident and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action;
(iii) observe a minute of silence in honour of Miss Keren–Happuch Aondodoo Akpagher and other victims of violence against women in Nigeria.
Debate
Rep. Mark Gbillah moved the motion on the suspected rape and murder of 14–Year old Miss Keren–Happuch Aondodoo Akpagher and it was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.
Rep. Dachung Bagos proposed an amendment to mandate the House Committee on Health Services to investigate the level and quality of healthcare administration in boarding schools, in line with the huge school fees Nigerians are made to pay for quality education.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
12. Need to Rehabilitate Kwale–Ogume–Obiaruku–Umutu–Agbor Federal Road:
Rep. Ossai Nicholas Ossai:
The House:
Notes that the road starting from Kwale, continuing thence to Umutu and terminating at Agbor on truck A232 was on the 15 1974 described and specified by Federal Highways (Declaration) Order (No. 2) as a Federal Highway;
Also notes that the road runs through two major Federal Constituencies in Nigeria, viz: Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency and Ika Federal Constituency that already has established and functional institutions, such as Delta State University Campus, Novena University, Marine Technology, College of Education, School of Nursing etc.;
Aware that Ndokwa land is an oil and gas producing area, and the federal road is a major feeder to Onitsha – Benin and Warri – Asaba express roads that drive heavy–duty trucks with petroleum products and vehicular movement of people conveying indigenous arts of woven baskets, metal works and sculpture to the South Eastern and Northern Nigeria;
Observes that 46 years after its construction by the Federal Government, there has not been any rehabilitation or reconstruction of the failed sections of the road;
Worried that the failed sections of the road have become a haven for hoodlums, hotspots for kidnappers and fertile ground for armed robbers, who constantly left tales of woes on road users with people losing millions of naira and their precious lives;
Concerned that the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency is a place where crude oil is being explored, and is on record that the people remains one of the oil and gas producing area in Nigeria that does not engage in militancy and destruction of oil facilities as a way of expressing their frustration and marginalization in the oil exploration process and the implementation of the Federal Character policy in Nigeria;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Appropriation to allocate funds for the rehabilitation of Kwale–Ogume–Obiaruku–Umutu Federal Highway in the 2022 budget estimates.
Debate
Rep. Nicholas Ossai moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate the Kwale–Ogume–Obiaruku–Umutu–Agbor federal road and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulmumini Ali.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
13. Call for Deployment of Security Operatives to Ilaje Land in Ilaje/Ese–Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State:
Rep. Kolade Victor Akinjo:
The House:
Notes that Ilaje/Ese–Odo Federal Constituency is a littoral region with a population of over six hundred and fifty thousand (650,000) people, covering an area of 2,036km, shares boundaries in the West with Ogun State and in the East with Delta State and has a shoreline stretching towards the Atlantic Ocean in the South and covering about 180km, thus making Ondo State the state with the longest coastline in Nigeria;
Concerned that Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, despite its size and population, has been a difficult terrain in recent times due to the cult clashes which often destroy properties, loss of lives and injury to members of the affected communities;
Also concerned that the situation has caused untold hardships to the people who now live in constant fear of being attacked and are unable to freely conduct their businesses;
Worried that the clashes have assumed a frightening dimension with the killings that happened in broad daylight even as a popular music Deejay known as DJ Donniyen was killed on his way to a musical concert;
Recalls that in 2019, an appeal was made to establish more security outposts with adequate personnel in Ilaje/Ese–Odo Federal Constituency in addition to the existing two (2) Police Stations located at Igbokoda in IIaje Local Government Area and Igbekebo in Ese–Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State to secure the crime–prone area;
Cognizant that the security challenges confronting the IIajej Ese–Odo Federal Constituency, need the collaborative efforts of various security agencies, especially as the festive season is approaching;
Disturbed that the prevalent insecurity in Ilaje land has adversely affected socio–economic activities in the affected communities and Ondo State at large;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy to urgently establish more security divisions and mobilize additional security personnel to Igbokoda and its neighbouring communities in Ilaje Local Government Area to investigate the cause of insecurity and bring the culprits to book;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Police Affairs and Navy to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Kolade Akinjo moved the motion on the call for deployment of security operatives to Ilaje land in Ilaje/Ese–Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State and it was seconded by Rep. Muhammed Umar Jega.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
14. Need to Stop the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) from Demolishing Buildings in Festac Town in Lagos:
Rep. Oghene Emma Egoh:
The House:
Notes that on 29 November 2021, people of Festac Town woke up to see bulldozers and caterpillars, fully protected by uniformed security operatives, storm the town destroyed houses and properties in the community;
Also notes that the residents and house owners in Festac Phase 2 watched their valuable properties and costly buildings demolished by the Federal Housing Authority in Festac, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State;
Worried that there were no quit notices issued to residents of the area, hence could not salvage their properties before being crushed into rubbles and sent out of their lands;
Concerned that the displaced resident of the community numbering into thousands, men and women, and elder statesmen and chiefs are presently stranded;
Conscious that those responsible for the massive demolition exercise in Festac Phase two Abulado Estate in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency claim that the buildings lack approval in the affected area;
Observed that even if there was any reason for such action, it is unfair for their houses to be destroyed without any notice served on them so as to prepare their mindset for the unfortunate and disheartening incident which appears to be punishment and witch–hunting, a clear case of abuse of power;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) to stop further demolition of buildings in Festac Town in Lagos until a thorough investigation is conducted;
(ii) identify areas of reconciliation to settle, alleviate the situation, and provide palliatives, both financial and materials assistance to the affected people with the involvement of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA);
(iii) mandate the Committee on Housing to ensure compliance.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House
15. Urgent Need to Carry out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Telecommunications Masts in Nigeria:
Rep. Obua Azibapu Fred:
The House:
Notes that over the years, numerous telecommunications masts have been erected in different towns and cities by Telecommunication Companies to enhance their services;
Also notes that despite the apprehension of many Nigerians about the negative effects that the masts may have on human health after many years, more telecommunications masts are still being erected indiscriminately by the Telecommunication Companies;
Aware that medical experts and scientists have expressed divergent opinions on the harmful effects of the telecommunications masts on the health of people living near the location of the masts which may be attributed to prolonged exposure to radiofrequency radiation emitted from the masts;
Concerned that some researchers have found out that the harmful effects of radiation from a telecommunications masts can reach as far as one mile away from the locations of the s;
Recalls that in December 2007 and June 2008, the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety and forty–seven scientists who were signatories to the Benevento Resolution urged the immediate adoption of precautionary measures to protect the public;
Cognizant of the need to carry out environmental impact assessments of telecommunications masts base stations in Nigeria to take precautionary measures to avoid the catastrophic effects of cumulative radiofrequency radiation on the citizens;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the National Environmental Standards Regulatory Agency (NESREA) to carry out an environmental impact assessment of telecommunications masts base stations antenna in Nigeria and submit a copy of its report to the House;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Environment to ensure compliance.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House
16. Need to Support Home Grown Technology in Nigeria:
Rep. Oluyemi Adewale Taiwo:
The House:
Notes that Dr. Olusola Ayoola is the founder the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), which is involved in gathering Geospatial intelligence that developed the Carbon Emission Tracker Drone (CETD) to help the country deal with insecurity as the surveillance system can help security agents trace bandits and terrorists to their hideouts;
Aware that in August 2021, 21–year old drone maker, Ignatius Asabor made media headlines for his invention, but has since left the country after he was offered employment by a Technical Company in Finland, which discovered him on Facebook;
Worried that many of Nigeria’s talented innovators seem to be fleeing to other countries who offer them mouth–watering deals whereas the Federal Government seems uninterested in granting them an enabling environment to thrive;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal government to liaise with the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) to provide advanced methods of curbing insecurity in Nigeria;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Science and Technology to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Oluyemi Taiwo moved the motion on the need to support home-grown technology in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Umar.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Wase chairing:
17. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Environmental Health Officers (Registration, Etc.) Act No. 11, 2002 to give the Council More Professional Outlook; and for Related Matters (HB. 44) (Leader) (Committee of the Whole:)
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa stated that the Bill was transmitted from the Senate seeking concurrence and urged members to approve the Bill in the light of the harmonious relationship with the Senate. According to him, the Bill seeks to improve the environmental health sector of Nigeria. He urged members to thus; help provide the legal framework for the effective operation of the sector.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-14
18. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. P17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Bill to Regulate the Standard of Training and Practice of Pharmacy; and for Related Matters (HB. 334) (Leader) – Committee of the Whole: 16/11/2021).
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa stated that the Bill was transmitted from the Senate seeking concurrence and urged members to approve the Bill considering the fact that the Bill seeks to improve the pharmaceutical profession in Nigeria for the administration of clinical medicine practice for the good health of all Nigerians.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-72
19. Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements:
Rep. Ossai Nicholas Ossai:
“That the House do Consider the Report of the Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements on a Bill for an Act to Enable Effect to be given in the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition and other Related Materials; and for Related Matters (HB. 1413)” (Referred: 24/11/2021).
Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Nicholas Ossai in urging for the resumption of consideration of the report stated that the 3-man Committee set up met and decided in line with the Law to split the Bill into 2 (ECOWAS Treaty as well as Light Arms Bill) and for them to serve side-by-side.
Summary of voting:
Articles voted on and approved (ECOWAS treaty): 1-29
Clause voted on and carried (Light Arms Agency establishment Bill): 1-19
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HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by the House Leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by the Chief Whip, Rep. Mohammed Monguno.
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Adjournment:
The House at 2:41pm adjourned plenary till Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by the Chief Whip, Rep. Mohammed Monguno.
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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