Th Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding.
After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Speaker examined and approved the votes and proceedings for Tuesday, June 8th, 2021
________________________________________________________________________________________
PETITIONS
1. Rep. Aniekam Umanam laid a petition from the Royal Highness in the community over the reinstatement of a subject of his from the Nigeria police who was wrongfully dismissed. He has been acquitted by the Court of Appeal of any wrongdoing but not reinstated. He craved the intervention of the House in resolving the matter.
2. Rep. Fatoba Olusola laid a petition of a case of a complainant on his unlawful dismissal. He is craving the intervention of the House for the withdrawal of the dismissal, his reinstatement and payment of his entitlements.
All petitions were referred to the House Committee Public Petitions.
________________________________________________________________________________________
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Kpam Jimin Sokpo (Burutu Benue constituency) moved a motion on the need to restore the political status of his constituency and it was seconded by Rep. Jimoh. Rep. Isoko in leading the debate stated that his constituency has been continually maligned and disenfranchised by the provisions of elections conduction. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure the due recognition of his constituency in the conduction of future elections.
The motion was voted and adopted.
2. Rep. Kabir moved a motion on the urgent need to ensure the security of Nigerians and it was seconded by Rep. Mansur Soro.
Rep. Kabir in his lead debate raised alarm at the audacity of bandits raiding communities all around the country with disregard for security presence or fear for constituted authority as they move around terrorizing communities fully armed in large numbers and in broad daylight. The socioeconomic disadvantage he stated is that millions of scarce funds are lost in the payment of ransoms, “these are monies that can be used to improve the lives of Nigerians” he stated. Rep. Kabir expressed further concern at the socioeconomic effect of the fact that fear has crippled communities as they have abandoned farming and fishing. He called on the President to embark on massive recruitment of security personnel of the country to boost the overstretched security system. He also called on the Inspector General of police to ensure mobile patrol bases for troubled communities in the land.
The motion was voted and adopted.
3. Rep. Bamidele Salam moved a motion on the urgent need for the Central bank of Nigeria to urgently put in place economic policies to cushion the rapid fall of the Naira against the Dollar and it was seconded by Rep. Olododo Cook. Rep. Salam expressed alarm at the statistic of the rapid fall of the Naira in such a short period, especially when compared with the appreciation gained by the currencies of some African countries like Ghana and South Africa within the same period. Rep. Salam stated that Nigerians are aware that that the devaluation of currencies is often used for economic advantage, but he is concerned that the continued devaluation of the Naira will cause economic inflation which affects the socioeconomic wellbeing of Nigerians, especially those whose businesses directly benefit from a strong Naira-Dollar ratio. He called on the Central Bank to ensure a quick policy change and ensure the House is briefed in 2 weeks.
The motion was voted and adopted.
4. Rep. Ndudi Elumelu moved a motion on the need for the Executive arm of government to continue involving the Legislature in critical national policies and actions and it was seconded by Rep. Gideon Gwani. Rep. Elumelu expressed concern that the effective revenue sharing formula is not disclosed to the National Assembly and this does not reflect true Federalism. He called on the House Committee on Finance to invite the Revenue Derivation and Fiscal Commission Board to appear before it and get back to the House before 4 weeks.
The motion was voted and adopted.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Rep. Zacharia Dauda rose under personal explanation on the death of Ahmed Gulak, an astute politician in his community who was shot in Imo state on the 30th of May and died on the spot. Rep. Zacharia called for an intensive investigation into the death of this prominent, illustrious and industrious member of the community.
________________________________________________________________________________________
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2021 (HB. 1381) (Executive) – First Reading.
2. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021 (HB.1401) (Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila) – First Reading.
3. Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1421) (Hon. Ahmed Idris) – First Reading.
4. Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1399) (Senate) – First Reading.
5. Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1400) (Senate) – (First Reading.
6. Armed Forces Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1405)(Hon. Babajimi Benson and 2 Others) – First Reading.
7. Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1406)(Hon. Yusuf Gagdi and 3 others) – First Reading.
8. National Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2003 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1407) (Hon.
Abubaka Hassan Fulata and 2 Others) – First Reading.
9. National Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2007 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1408) (Hon. Henry Nwawuba and Hon. Nasiru Ali Ahmed) – First Reading.
10. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1409) (Hon. Ibrahim Dutse A and 3 Others) – First Reading.
11. Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Hon. 1410) (Hon. Dachung Bagos) – First Reading.
12. Customs and Excise Management Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1411) (Hon. Olaide Akinremi)
– First Reading.
13. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1412) (Hon.
Hassan Abubakar Fulata and Hon. Henry Nwawuba) – First Reading.
14. ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms, Light Weapons and Ammunition (Ratification and Enforcement) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1413) (Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha) – First Reading.
15. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1376) (Hon. Hassan Usman Sokodaba and Hon. John Dyegh) – First Reading.
16. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1377) (Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo and 4 Others) – First Reading.
17. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1378) (Hon. Femi Fakeye and 2 Others) – First Reading.
18. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021(HB. 1379) (Hon. Solomon Maren & 5 Others) – First Reading.
19. Chartered Institute of Development and Social Studies (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2021 (HB.1380)
(Hon. Solomon Maren) – First Reading.
20. National Security Agencies Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1415) (Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi) – First Reading.
21. National Youth Empowerment Development Commission (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2021(HB. 1417) (Hon. Richard Gbande) – First Reading.
22. National Excessive Flood Management Commission Bill, 2021 (HB. 1418) (Hon. Richard Gbande) – First Reading.
23. Federal University of Agriculture, Kaima (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2021(HB. 1419) (Hon. Mohammed Omar Bio) – First Reading.
________________________________________________________________________________________
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1.Committee on Environment:
Hon. Johnson Egwakhide Oghuma:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Environment on a Bill for an Act to Regulate the Profession of Forestry in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 801) (Referred: 28/4/2021).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Johnson Oghuma and seconded by Rep. Kingsley Uju
2.Committee on Environment:
Hon. Johnson Egwakhide Oghuma:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Environment on the Proposed Internally Generate Revenue and Expenditure Budget of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for year 2021” ((Pursuant to Order Twenty Rules 36(q) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives”
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Johnson Oghuma and seconded by Rep. Kingsley Uju
3.Committee on Environment:
Hon. Johnson Egwakhide Oghuma:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Environment on the Need to Investigate the Dredging activities of Dangote Refinery and Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited in the Coastal Fishing Communities of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State (HR.120.12/2020) (Referred:17/12/2020)”.
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Johnson Oghuma and seconded by Rep. Kingsley Uju
4. Committees on Federal Capital Territory and FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters:
Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba:
“That the House do receive the Report of Committees on Federal Capital Territory and FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters on a Bill for an Act to Authorize the issue from the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Statutory Revenue Fund of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Account, the total sum of N329,963,491,523.00 (Three Hundred and Twenty Nine Billion, Nine Hundred and Sixty Three Million, Four Hundred and Ninety One Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty Three Naira) only, of which the sum of N74,323,382,813.00 (Seventy Four Billion, Three Hundred and Twenty Three Million, Three Hundred and Eighty Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirteen Naira) only, is for Personnel Costs; and the sum of N58,728,614,466.00 (Fifty Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Twenty Eight Million, Six Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty Six Naira) Only, is for Overhead Costs, while the balance of N196,911,494,243.00 (One Hundred and Ninety Six Billion, Nine Hundred and Eleven Million, Four Hundred and Ninety Four Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty Three Naira) only, is for Capital Projects for the service of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for the Financial Year Commencing 1 January2021 and Ending on 31December, 2021 (HB. 1140) (Referred:15/12/2020).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Abdullahi Garba and seconded by Rep. Yusuf Ahmed.
________________________________________________________________________________________
BILLS
A Bill for an Act to Establish the Admiralty University of Nigeria, Ibusa as Conventional University with Selected Programmes, Limited and focused Faculties to Promote Scholarship, Research and Other Means of Advancement of Knowledge and its Practical Application to Military Hardware and Software, and Provide an Opportunity of Acquiring a Higher and Liberal Education in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.1339) (Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagi) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Yusuf Gagdi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu. The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the relevant committees of the House **** (House committee on tertiary education and services)
BILLS
1. Consolidation of Bills:
(a) A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Land Resources Technology, Oforolla, Imo State (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB.1275) (Hon. Henry Nwawuba and 7 Others);
(b) A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Owerri to Provide for Full–Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Land Resources Technology and to carry out Research in the Development and Adaptation of Techniques and also make Provisions for the Appointment of a Provost and the Officials of the College to carry out the Administration and Discipline of Students of the College; and Related Matters (HB. 973) (Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu).
Debate
Rep. Abubakar Fulata moved for the consolidation of the Bills and it was seconded by Rep. Victor Nwokolo.
The Bill was voted, approved for consolidation and the Committee on Rules and Business was asked to schedule a date for the debate on the general principles of the Bill.
2. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act, No. 2, 2019 to Extend the Tenor of the Resolution Cost Fund; Grant Access to the Special Tribunal Established by Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020 and to Confer on it the Power to take Possession, Manage, Foreclose or Sell, Transfer, Assign or otherwise of Asset or Property used as Security for Eligible Bank Assets; and for Related Matters (HB.1320) (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
In leading the debate, Rep. Ado-Doguwa stated that the Bill emanated from the Senate with a few amendments aimed at strengthening its position for the benefit of Nigerians. He urged members to support the Bill in the interest of the nation and not in any bi-partisan manner.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila expressed dismay why the House gives Bills emanating from the Senate concurrence without delay and House Bills are not given such mutual respect in the Senate. He called on the Leader of the House to liaise with the leader of the Senate to ensure such bi-cameral Harmony that will benefit Nigerians. Rep. Gbajabiamila also called on members to continue to liaise with the leader of the House so that their Bills have no hitches on the floor of the House, especially when there is a need for concurrence from the Senate.
Rep. Toby Okechukwu reiterated the view of the Speaker and wondered why the Senate would continue to delay Bills by the House and leave them lying unattended to in the Senate, this he stated is not good for the democracy of the country.
Rep. James Faleke expressed concern at the amendments of the Bill as he is aware of changes that allow a bank to go after other properties of a loan defaulter other than the initial property that was used as collateral.
Rep. Victor Nwokolo who is the House committee chairman on banking sought to clarify in his contribution that what this amendment tends to achieve is to ensure finance is not lost in the business economy due to lack of the legal backing of the banks to recover loans, especially when it is found that the debtor deliberately defaults on loans for the benefit of their businesses. This he said is to promote honesty and transparency in business, especially when the country is in dire need of finances.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila also expressed concern at how some banks abuse their powers, giving them more legal backing by the Bill may cause more evil than good. Rep. Nasir Ahmed stated that banks are supposed to do their due diligence before giving out loans unless there’s a conspiracy within the bank.
The leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa in exercising his right of reply asked for the Bill to be stepped down to enable him to liaise with the leader of the Senate to see that Nigerians get the best Bill.
Rep. Nicholas Ossai sought for members to be provided with copies of the Bill for them to make informed decisions.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu called for the House committee chairman on banking, Rep. Victor Nwokolo to be part of the interphase of the Leader of the House with that of the Senate, so members can be assured that their fears have been allayed.
The Bill was stepped down for further consideration and legislative input.
3. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Para–Military Academy, Ijebu–Igbo with Power to Award Degrees in accordance with Academic Standards Prescribed by the National Universities Commission; and for Related Matters (HB. 429) (Hon. Adekoya Adesegun Abdel–Majid) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Adekoya Adesegun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Taiwo Oluga.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.
4. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Polytechnics Regulatory Commission and National Commission for Polytechnics; and for Related Matters (HBs. 659 and 1287) (Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi and Hon. Frederick Y. Agbedi) – Second Reading.
Bill stepped down by leave of the House
5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Energy Commission of Nigeria Act, Cap. E 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make it Compulsory for the Federal Government through the Commission to Harness, Explore and Utilize Other Sources of Energy other than Hydro and Gas Energy Sources in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HBs.243 & 446) (Hon. Yusuf Buba Yukub and Hon. Beni Lar) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Beni Lar moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. Rep. Beni Lar stated that the Bill seeks to ensure all avenues of procuring energy, especially clean and renewable energy should be explored by the National Energy Commission to take advantage of these avenues. The Bill, she stated also seeks to establish an energy fund to ensure the energy industry in the country thrives as against what is obtained internationally.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.
6. A Bill for an Act to Establish Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki; and for Related Matters (HB. 1325) (Hon. Chinedu Ogah) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Chinedu Ogah moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Efe Afe.
The Bill was voted, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
7. A Bill for an Act to Alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to give legal backing to State Security Outfit to Complement the Nigeria Police Force; and for Related Matters (HB. 1308) (Hon. Oberuakpefe Anthony Afe) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Anthony Afe moved for the second reading of the Bill. Rep. Afe in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to provide community security outfits to assist the Nigerian police in different communities of Nigeria as the pockets of violence seem to have overwhelmed and overstretched the police personnel. He stated that the security needs of Nigeria cannot be left to measures that have proven to have less effect and many challenges. As a progressive parliament, he stated, the House needs to rise to the challenge using the legal and legislative backing of the constitution review for the benefit of Nigerians.
The Bill was voted, passed for the second reading and referred to Special Ad-Hoc Committee on the Constitution Review.
8. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Science and Technology, Kosubosu, Kwara State and to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 696) (Hon. Mohammed Omar Bio) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Mohammed Umar moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Dennis Idahosa. In leading the debate Rep. Umar stated that the Bill seeks to make provisions for the educational needs of Nigerians living in the region and its environs. The center would boost medical and agricultural research, employment, socio-economic activities of people in the region, as well as attract more specialized activities. He decried the lack of a federal presence in the area of science and technology as this is the foundation for industrialization and economic expansion in a new world where everything has gone electronic and digital. The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.
________________________________________________________________________________________
MOTIONS
9. Need to Reconstruct Upper Siluko Road, Edo State:
Hon. Dennis IdahosaHon. Peter Akpatason
Hon. Jude Ise-IdehenHon. Patrick Aisowieren
Hon. Tunji-Ojo OlubunmiHon. Adeogun Adejoro
Hon. Makinde Peter AbiolaHon. Adefisoye Tajudeen Adeyemi
Hon. Akinfolarin Mayowa SamuelHon. Adelegbe Oluwatimehin E.
The House:
Notes that Upper Siluko road in Edo State, linking Ogbese in Ondo state and other States in the country, serves as an alternative route for commuters who are predominantly farmers in the transportation of their produce and services;
Concerned that the deplorable state of the road has been causing untold hardships to users for a long period of time, leading to loss of revenues, man-hours and destruction of perishable goods;
Also concerned that the current state of the road has made it a haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements to thrive in their activities;
Cognizant that timely reconstruction of the road will boost economic activities in the area and the country as a whole, as well as reduce crime rate and accidents;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to commence re-construction of
Upper Siluko Road in Edo State through Ogbese in Ondo state;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Dennis Idahosa moved the motion on the need to reconstruct upper Siluko road in Edo state.
As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted and adopted.
10. Need for Prioritization of Nkari Dam:
Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo:
The House:
Notes that Nkari is a community in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and the people of the area are predominantly farmers and known for commercial production of rice, palm produce. cassava, cocoa, etc;
Also notes that Nkari Dam Project, covering over 37 hectares of land, was initiated over 20 years ago under the Ministry of Water Resources to provide water for irrigation, control flooding and generate electricity, among other things, in the area;
Aware that in 2018, the Federal Government approved the sum of 5.7 billion Naira for completion of the Dam with two other Dams in the Northern part of the Country;
Concerned that the contractor was mobilized to commence the job but abandoned the project, a development that has caused loss of lives and rendered many homeless due to uncontrolled flooding;
Cognizant that if the project is completed, it will control flooding and the water properly channelled for irrigation purposes, thereby enhancing environmental protection and economic activities in the area;
Resolves to:
(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to prioritize the completion of Nkari Dam in the 2022 budget estimates;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Water Resources to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Emmanuel moved the motion on the need for the dualization of in Akwa Ibom state and it was seconded by Rep. Onofiok Luke.
As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted on and adopted.
11. Need to Resolve the Leadership Crisis at the Nigerian Institute for Oil –Palm Research (NIFOR):
Hon. Awaji–Inombek D. Abiante:
The House:
Notes the maladministration at the Nigerian Institute of Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) Benin, Edo State, which led to total disruption of activities at the Institute and consequently stagnated the gains that would have been made in Nigeria’s economic development if the Institute were performing optimally;
Also notes that the Institute, which has the mandate to support Nigeria’s Oil Palm Sector to attain self-sufficiency in palm oil production and regain the leading position in International Oil Palm Production and trade, has been embroiled in leadership crisis since 9 November 2017;
Worried that the leadership crisis in the Institute, which hitherto managed the Federal Oil Palm Estate, Oboteme and Federal Oil Palm Project, Erei among others, has affected its operations and access to budgetary allocation;
Aware that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is desirous of providing funds for further development and expansion of the Palm Oil Sector;
Worried that letting the Institute to remain without leadership translates to huge revenue loss to the Government as the palm industry provides food and raw materials for the confectionery and personal care products industries;
Also aware that the sector employs a large population of Nigerians who largely depend on oil palm and its derivatives for their livelihood;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee of Agricultural Colleges and Institutions to investigate the matter and report within three (3) weeks for further legislative action.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House
12. Need to Reinforce Guidance and Counselling in Schools Across the Country:
Hon. Nsikak Okon Ekong:
The House:
Notes that guidance and counselling plays an integral role in inculcating virtues and values in the society, particularly among the youth;
Also notes that the practice of guidance and counselling has largely been and relegated to the background both in schools and in the society as a whole;
Concerned that due to its neglect, there is moral, academic and cultural decadence leading to societal discord and disorientation as the youths are left to chart their courses, leading to rising cases of banditry, armed robbery, cultism, prostitution, examination malpractices etc, in the society;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Education to make it compulsory to have guidance and counselling units in all schools across the country;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Tertiary Education and Services and Basic Education and Services to ensure compliance.
Motion stepped down by leave of the House
13. Need to Investigate Disbursements of all Agricultural Loans/Credit Facilities to Farmers from 2009 to date to Enhance National Food Security:
Hon. Chike John Okafor:
The House:
Notes that between 2009 to date, the Federal Government has approved the disbursement of funds to farmers in various Schemes to the tune of over N275 billion, ranging from Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS) to Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), to help farmers improve agricultural production and guarantee food security in Nigeria;
Also notes that apart from increasing food supply, the Scheme is to grant agricultural loans to large and small scale commercial farmers to lower the prices of agricultural produce, generate employment and increase foreign exchange earnings;
Aware that since the approval, most farmers have not been able to access the loans due to stringent requirements being demanded by banks from prospective borrowers and the alleged siphoning of over N105 Billion meant for farmers by Management of NIRSAL;
Concerned that food production has not attained the expected level despite the approval of over N 275 Billion facilities to farmers;
Worried that the projected diversification of the economy from oil production to agricultural production and increase in agricultural output, food supply and promoting low food inflation will not be achieved if farmers are unable to access loans meant to increase agricultural production;
Resolves to:
Mandate the Committee on Banking and Currency to Investigate disbursements and compliance of all Agricultural Loans/Credit Facilities to farmers from 2009 to date to enhance National Food Security in the country.
Debate
Rep. Chike John Okafor moved the motion on the need to investigate all agricultural loans and aids from 2009 till date and it was seconded by Rep. Babangida Alhassan.
Rep. Segun Odebunmi proposed an amendment to include the House Committee on Agricultural Production to be part of the investigation.
As an investigative motion, it was voted, adopted as amended and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
14. Need to Address the Spate of Communal Clashes, Killings and Destruction of Properties in Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State:
Hon. Karu Simon Elisa:
The House:
Notes that Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State has over ten ethnic groups who have coexisted in different communities for decades without recourse to violence and the ethnic nationalities have shared cultural and other social values which makes it difficult to identify any form of distinction or variation among them which helped to sustain peace and harmony over the decades of their peaceful coexistence.
Also notes the sporadic conflicts over farmlands between dwellers of different communities which have been managed without any form of violence among the people.
Further notes that 29 May, 2021 was a sad day for the communities of Shongom Local Government when they experienced a breakdown of law and order that led to loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of over five thousand (5000) people in the Area;
Aware that while such communal clashes resulted in the displacement of settlers and communities, it also places undue hardship on the people and their immediate environment of which Local and State Authorities may not have sufficient support mechanism.
Worried that the displaced persons will suffer the tremendous risk of security, health, nourishment and social wellbeing, as the communities do not have access to support to meet their challenges;
Concerned that any further breach of peace and order maybe difficult to contain as Shongom and Pero Communities will require Government and Stakeholders assistance to recover from the effect of the crisis;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal and Gombe State Governments to strengthen peacebuilding systems and develop innovative and sustainable dispute and conflict management mechanisms;
(ii) urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide relief materials to the over five thousand displaced dwellers in the affected communities of Lalaipido and Filiya wards and the immediate environments of Shongom Local Government Area;
(iii) mandate the Committees on NEMA and Civil Societies and Development Partners to call on Development Partners to strengthen peacebuilding and psychosocial intervention Programmes in Shongom Local Government Area.
Debate
Rep. Karu Simon Elisha moved the motion on the need to address the state of communal clashes, killings and in Gombe state and it was seconded by Rep. Shehu Balarabe. Rep. Ndudi Elumelu proposed an amendment on prayer 1 as the House cannot legislative for states.
The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
________________________________________________________________________________________
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS AT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase Chairing.
15. On behalf of the House Leader, Rep. Abubakar Fulata moved for the consideration of A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of Federal College of Education, Illo, Kebbi State; and for Related Matters (HB.643).
In his synopsis, Fulata said the Bill was for concurrence from the Senate.
Rep. Ibrahim Babangida noted that the Bills from the Senate for concurrence have always been attended to expeditiously by the House, whereas the same could not be said of Bills sent to the Senate for concurrence from the House.
He urged the House leadership to intervene since both chambers are supposed to be working in unison for the progress of the country.
The Chairman of the Committee, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase noted that the issue was raised earlier at the plenary and the House Leader has been tasked with the duty of interfacing with the Senate over the issue.
All 31 clauses of the report carried.
16. Rep. Muhammad Umar Jega moved for the consideration of A Bill for an Act to Amend the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria Act, Cap I.12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for the Role of Chemists, the Regulation of Practicing Fees by Members of the Institute; and for Related Matters (HB. 180).
In his synopsis, Rep. Jega said the Bill seeks to bring the sector in line with universal standards.
Clauses 1-4 were carried while the rest differed to another legislative day.
Rep. Abubakar Fulata moved the motion for the Committee of the Whole to revert to plenary.
PLENARY
Presiding Officer, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase read the progress report of the Committee of the Whole.
Rep. Abubakr Fulata moved for the adoption of the reports and it was seconded by Rep. Obinna Chidoka seconded.
Motion voted and adopted.
ADJOURNMENT
Rep Abubakar moved for the adjournment of the plenary to Thursday 10 June 2021 at 11 am.
House adjourned at 2.23 pm to Thursday 10 June 2021 at 11 am.
Courtesy:
Media Unit of the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
