Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Tuesday, January 18th, 2022

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding.

After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Tuesday, December 21st, 2021
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REMARKS BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, REP. FEMI GBAJABIAMILA AT THE RESUMPTION OF PLENARY FOR THE 2021 LEGISLATIVE YEAR. TUESDAY, 18TH JANUARY 2022. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CHAMBER, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, ABUJA.

PROTOCOLS
Good morning honourable colleagues.
1. I welcome you all back to the House of Representatives. I thank you all for being here this morning. And I am delighted to see you all looking refreshed and energized, ready to do the people’s business. I thank God almighty for protecting us through our travels and for his many mercies upon our lives.
2. The 9th House of Representatives, despite the limitations imposed on us by a global pandemic, has been an unusually productive parliament. We have taken legislative action to address longstanding challenges of governance and economics in our country. We have passed landmark legislation to fix our oil and gas industry, reform the police and reorganize the corporate administration system in our country.
3. We have considered and passed meaningful legislation that impacts all areas of our national life. Some of these bills are the Police Service Commission Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, and the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act (Amendment) Bill, amongst others. Just before we adjourned in 2021, we passed a slate of bills to reform the aviation sector and clean up our airports so that these critical national assets can be properly administered to the best expectations of the Nigerian people.
4. We have used the appropriations process and the power of parliament over the public purse to pursue community and constituency development across the country. We have invested in primary, secondary and tertiary education infrastructure. We have provided ICT training centres to facilitate learning and enhance educational outcomes. There is, at the moment, virtually no constituency in the country that hasn’t benefitted from significant investment to improve primary healthcare, rehabilitate classrooms and schools and provide community roads.
5. In reminding us of these things, it is not my intention to encourage complacency or give the impression that our work here is done, far from it. I intend to remind us all of what can be achieved when dedicated public servants work with purpose and precision in the public interest. And I want us to be inspired, in this last year of our present term in office, to work harder, work faster and achieve more than we ever did in the past.
6. Too often, the legislator’s work and the benefits that derive therefrom are not uniquely recognized and acknowledged. Active measures are required to change that, and it is our responsibility to make sure that the people we serve have sufficient information to judge us on the facts. Therefore, it must be a priority for us this year to document our efforts and our success and communicate the same to our constituents across the nation so that we can be judged individually and collectively by our evident accomplishments.
7. Honourable colleagues, we have a lot still left to do in a very brief time. Principal amongst these priorities is the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. First, let me express my profound gratitude to all of you for your work to pass this most critical legislation. I want to commend you all for the work done. Unfortunately, that Bill did not receive presidential assent, and it is unlikely that it will in its current form. Now, we have to choose between sticking to our guns regarding the provision to mandate direct primary elections for political parties or reworking that provision to save the rest of the Bill.
8. Now let it be clear to all that our only objective in introducing that provision was to strengthen the foundations of our democracy so that it works for all of our nation’s people. The process by which political parties nominate candidates for election is essential, perhaps even just as important as the general election itself. A primary nomination process that deprives the majority of party members of the opportunity to choose who represents them in the general elections is susceptible to bad outcomes and ought to be fixed.
9. Some argued that political parties do not have proper registers of their members, which was a reason to reject the direct primary option. This is an appalling admission that political parties in the country do not have credible and up-to-date registers of their members. We are left to question how those parties have thus far managed their affairs, including conducting congresses and primary elections, whether by direct or indirect means. Besides, it can be inferred that the failure to maintain a proper register of members violates the spirit of the constitution, as it makes it impossible for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce the constitutional requirement for political parties to ensure that their membership reflects the federal character of Nigeria.
10. Nonetheless, it is disappointing that the failure of political parties to adequately document their membership is being used to not give the Nigerian people the power to fully participate in our nation’s politics. If nothing else, including a direct primary mandate in the law, would have forced political parties to properly register their members within the shortest possible time. This would have been the singular most significant reform of our political party system in a generation.
11. I remain convinced that the proposal for direct primary elections is valuable for building accountability in our political system. But we must not allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. Therefore, the House will reintroduce the amendment this tomorrow. And we will work quickly to address the mitigating concerns, pass the Bill and send it back to His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.
12. As to the issues relating to inelegant drafting and other technical errors in the Bill. This is a matter of concern as it appears the version sent to the President differs from what is circulating in the public domain. However, in December of last year, I appointed a technical team to look into the issue. I expect to have their report within the next day or two so that we can proceed to the next stage. We have less than thirteen months to the next general election, so time is of the essence. A credible electoral law is what the people want. It is what the people deserve, and we must give to them. The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill includes many other provisions that will serve our democracy well, and we cannot throw away the baby with the bathwater.
13. Our current constitutional review effort is as crucial as the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. Amending our nation’s constitution to address longstanding areas of disagreement and remove the vestiges of militarism from our democracy is one of the central commitments we made in the 9th House. It is a commitment we must meet or risk the harsh judgment of history. Therefore we will prioritize action to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives. Fortunately, we are in the final stages of that effort and will shortly conclude this all-important work. According to the deputy speaker, the first set of amendments will be forwarded to the state assemblies for consideration before the end of February.
14. This is the final year we have to conclude work on our legislative agenda and fulfil the obligations of “Our Contract with Nigerians”. Let us approach this last stretch with the forthright focus and earnestness that comes from knowing that we are in a race to make good history. The entire purpose of the legislative agenda is to direct our legislative resources and efforts in a coordinated effort to ensure the wellbeing of the individual in a life of safety and freedom. That is a high ambition, but it is well worth the effort.
15. Honourable colleagues, once more, I welcome you all back to the House of Representatives. I look forward to a fruitful year of considerable achievement in the joint task of nation-building. And I thank you all most sincerely for your presence here this morning. God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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PETITIONS

1. Rep. Preye Oseke laid 2 petitions from 2 complainants over deprivation and the environmental damages caused by oil companies in their different regions.

2. Rep. Sergius Ogun laid a petition from a complainant on wrongful dismissal from service, he craved the indulgence of the House to expedite the handling of the issue.

3. Rep. Taiwo Oluga laid a petition on behalf of a complainant who was asked to proceed on leave on an issue without the due process of an investigation being followed. She called on the House to look into the issue to resolve the issue for her reinstatement to be made possible.

All petitions referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.
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MOTIONS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

1. Rep. Idem Unyime moved a motion on the need to curb the activities of illegal oil refineries in the Niger Delta region and it was seconded by Rep. Chinedu Igwe.

In leading the debate, Rep. Idem noted that the activities of the illegal oil refineries have contributed to the soot being noticed in Rivers State, which he explained is highly toxic to the health of those in the region. He also lamented the financial implication on the Federal government from oil exploration in the region. He called on the relevant security forces to sweep out the operators of the illegal refineries. He further called on the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to also sanitize the industry and that the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), as well as Host Communities, should ensure compliance.

Rep. Onofiok Luke proposed an amendment to get the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to grant licenses and support the establishment of modular refineries to help with the refining of crude oil in the country.

Rep. Mohammed Monguno reminded Rep. Onofiok Luke that the Petroleum Industry Act limits the NNPC to do what the amendment is seeking.

Rep. Toby Okechukwu pointed out the need for the facilitation of licensing properly structured modular refineries.

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila while supporting the amendment from Rep. Luke called for its restructure so that it can stand on legality. The amendment was re-amended to call on the Upstream and Midstream regulatory agencies to grant the needed licenses.

Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka proposed an amendment subject to the earlier amendment moved by Rep. Onofiok Luke to review the already existing licenses for modular refineries, since some of the licenses are not being utilized, before granting new licenses to deserving modular refineries.

The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

2. Rep. Dachung Bagos moved a motion on the need to stop the high rate of kidnapping, especially on monarchs in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State and it was seconded by Rep. Sam Odu.

Rep. Bagos in leading the debate expressed worry at the high rate of cases of kidnapping in Plateau state. He called for the implementation of technology in tracking these criminals. He wondered how the kidnappers can continue communicating and demanding ransom without being tracked, despite the sim registration exercise. He called on the relevant security agencies to ensure the speedy release of the kidnapped victims. He further called on the relevant agencies to ensure adequate street lights in the region to make it safer, and that the relevant Committees of the House should ensure compliance.

The motion was voted on and adopted.
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PERSONAL EXPLANATION

Rep. Taiwo Oluga rose on the platform of personal explanation to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for being gender-friendly in appointing Senator Margery Okadigbo as the Board Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and wished Senator Okadigbo a fruitful and efficient tenure.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National War College Act, Cap.N82, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the National Defence College Bill; and for Related Matters (HB. 1143) (Rep. Aminu Ashiru Mani) – Second Reading.

Bill stepped down by leave of the House.

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Compensation, Resettlement and Welfare Board with the Primary aim of Raising Funds to Resettle all Original Inhabitants Occupying Developed Areas within the FCT and for Further Resettlement Projects; and for Related Matters (HB. 1766) (Rep. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Gaza Jonathan moved for the second reading of the Bill.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Capital Territory.
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MOTIONS
3. Devastating Effects of Deforestation in Nigeria:
Rep. Kolawole Lawal:

The House:

Notes that trees improve air quality by filtering harmful Dust, Odours and Pollutants such as Ozone, Carbon monoxide, and Sulphur Dioxide from the air;

Also notes that not only can they benefit the economy by reducing heating and cooling costs, trees can also reduce dependence on oil and natural gas;

Further notes the Report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations which stated that the requirements of sustainable forest management include the extent of forest resources, biological diversity, forest health and vitality, productive and Protective functions of forest resources, socio-economic functions and a legal, policy and institutional framework;

Aware that forests have been associated with helping to reduce flooding as many flooding disasters have been partly blamed on the effects of deforestation;

Also aware that Nigeria is a member nation of the Coalition for Rainforest Nations (CFRN) which seeks to, among other things, manage tropical rainforests in a way that supports climate stability, conserves biodiversity, and helps develop poverty alleviation efforts;

Concerned that due to the high demand for timber, which is used for the production of furniture, paper and in the construction industry, there has been an increase in illegal logging, which has resulted in deforestation in Nigeria;

Also concerned that Nigeria has been rated by the Food Agricultural Organization as the country with the highest rate of deforestation in the world;

Further concerned that many aspects of the Food Agricultural Organization requirements are currently not being met in Nigeria and will continue to have detrimental effects, if not quickly addressed;

Cognizant that Tree-planting is one of the options adopted by many nations towards curbing the serious and irreversible changes of climate change and trees help absorb greenhouse gasses and carbon emissions that are caused by human civilization;

Worried that a lot of damage has been done to Nigeria’s land through the processes of deforestation, notably contributing to desertification and increased temperatures across the country;

Also worried that there is hardly any implementation of forest management policies, and very few attempts have been made to lower the deforestation rates and to stop illegal logging, hence Nigerians are hardly aware of how to prevent deforestation;

Further worried that deforestation has led to soil degradation across the country, resulting in poor crop yield and economic loss to the nation as a whole;

Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Environment to implement policies that discourage deforestation;

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Environment to embark on sensitization campaigns to create awareness across the country on the need to imbibe the culture of tree planting in their environment to mitigate the negative consequences of climate change caused by indiscriminate deforestation;

(iii) call on the Federal Government to liaise with Institutions, Communities and other relevant stakeholders to offer capacity-building opportunities, productive partnerships and sustainable schemes that can create more economic activities to sustain hard-working rural dwellers and discourage them from the indiscriminate cutting of trees;

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

Motion stepped down by leave of the House.

4. Urgent Need to Rehabilitate the Saminaka–Magama–Gumau Highway:
Rep. Muda Lawal Umar:

The House:

Notes that the 91km Saminaka–Magama–Gumau road links Kaduna State, Bauchi State and other States within the North East Zone as it facilitates the transportation of farm produce as well as other products and services among Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Abuja and other States of the country;

Concerned that due to the current dilapidated state of the road, commuters conveying goods and farm produce are robbed and/or kidnapped every week, sometimes resulting in the death of innocent persons and loss of properties;

Worried that the deplorable condition of the road has caused untold hardships for the people who rely on it for transportation of their goods and other services as it has disrupted their daily economic activities;

Cognizant that if nothing is done urgently, to rehabilitate the road, it would continue to pose threat to the lives of commuters, thereby hampering agricultural and economic activities in the area and the nation at large;

Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to commence immediate rehabilitation of the Saminaka–Magama–Gumau Highway to prevent further deterioration;

(ii) mandate the Committee FERMA to ensure compliance.

Debate
Rep. Muda Lawal moved the motion on the urgent need to rehabilitate the Saminaka–Magama–Gumau highway and it was seconded by Rep. Ajibola Muraina.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

5. Need to Investigate the Incidences of Fake Insurance Certificates in Nigeria:
Rep. Oluyemi Adewale Taiwo:

The House:

Notes that the Insurance Act, 2003 mandates all motorists to have a minimum of
Third-Party Motor Insurance Policy in place and that Section 68 of Act stipulates that “No person shall use or cause or permit any other person to use a motor vehicle on a road unless a liability which he may thereby incur in respect of damage to the property of third- party is insured with an Insurer registered under this Act”;

Aware that the statutory laws of the country stipulate that no motorist should ply Nigeria roads without having a genuine Insurance certificate, however, most motorists have continued to show absolute disregard for the statutory requirement;

Worried that the number of vehicles with fake certificates on Nigeria road has risen to 9.4 million and the figure released by the Nigeria Insurers Association revealed that only 2.72 million vehicles on Nigeria roads have valid insurance covers as of February 2021;

Also worried that millions of vehicles, trucks and motorcycles plying Nigeria roads are not insured;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Insurance Companies and Brokerage to have operational offices in major cities in the country;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters to investigate the incidences of Fake Insurance Certificates in Nigeria and report back within six weeks for further legislative action.

Motion stepped down by leave of the House

6. Need to Construct Perimeter Fence at Federal University of Technology, FUTO, Owerri:
Rep. Paschal Obi:

The House:

Notes that the elegance of a teaching and learning environment such as a University Community draws largely from a secured, protected, preserved environment and a good landscape;

Further notes that a University in the 21st Century desirous of positive global acknowledgement and endorsement, must in addition to the pursuit of academic and technological excellence, be committed to the security and serenity of the University Community and its environment;

Aware that the Federal University of Technology, Owerri pioneered the existence of such Federal Universities of Science and Technology in Nigeria as established in 1980 by the Shehu Shagari Administration;

Cognizant that the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, has in its existence, championed exceptional advancement of knowledge of Science and Technology with global partnership and collaborations;

Concerned that the increasing cases of hostilities arising from land demarcation and other boundary challenges between the University Community and the host communities of Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obinze and Avu, are consequences of the absence of a beautifully secured environment through perimeter fencing with the attendant security challenges on the Staff and Students as well as on teaching and learning;

Cognizant that hostilities and insecurities have remained in the increase in the last twelve years due to struggle by the original land-donors to reclaim part of the areas of the land for agriculture and other purposes, including building residential houses;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Government to prioritize the construction of Perimeter Fence for the Federal University of Technology, Owerri in the 2023 Budget estimates;

(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Education and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies to commence immediate demarcation of the land area covering the University Community through fresh survey plans and other Geophysical activities to halt further encroachment;

(iii) further urge the Federal Government to collaborate with the Imo State
Government in the drive to promote good neighbourliness amongst the University Community and the original landowners through proper land identification and demarcation;

(iv) mandate the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services to ensure implementation.

Debate
Rep. Paschal Obi moved the motion on the need to construct a perimeter fence at the Federal University of Technology, FUTO, Owerri and it was seconded by Rep. Obinna Chidoka.

The motion was voted on and adopted.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORT

7. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of National Institute for Border Studies, Imeko, Ogun State, to Provide for Teaching, Research, Instruction and Training of Students in Border Management; and for Related Matters (HB.1467) (Senate) – Committee of the Whole: 30/11/2021.

Consideration of the report stepped down by leave of the House.
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Adjournment:
The House at 13:41 adjourned plenary till Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by the Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by the Minority Leader, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu.

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