Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

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

After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Tuesday, March 8th, 2022.
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Administration of Oath of National Allegiance as well as that of Membership of the House of Representatives on Rep. Jude Ogbeche Ngaji (APC, Cross River state)
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MOTIONS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

1. Rep. Yusuf Sununu on behalf of Honorable members from Kebbi State rose to move a motion on the urgent need for the Federal government to stop the armed banditry continuing in Kebbi South Senatorial district and it was seconded by Rep. Benjamin Kalu.

Rep. Sununu in leading the debate noted that Kebbi State has continued to come under unrelenting attack by armed bandits which sometimes run into days of such unrelenting attacks and has continued to contravene the fundamental right to security of people living in the state, especially in the Southern part of the State. He wondered how the bandits who are said to come from neighbouring States in their hundreds, infiltrate Kebbi and engage in such activities as robberies, kidnapping and cattle rustling and are still able to make away with their spoils uninterrupted. This Rep. Sununu stated has ensured that socioeconomic as well as academic activities in Kebbi South have almost grounded to a halt, as students and residents live in constant fear of going about their regular activities. Rep. Sununu called on the federal government to mobilize the necessary reinforcement of ground and air troops to the region before there is a total breakdown of law and order. He further called on the National Emergency Management Agency to also come to the aid of the victims. He further called for a declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity in the whole Northwestern region of Nigeria. He then called on the relevant security and defence Committees of the House to investigate the immediate and remote causes of such continuous acts of banditry and come up with the right course of action for further legislative action. Rep. Sununu reminded members that the general elections are fast approaching and voting can only be conducted in safe and conducive environments.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

2. Rep. Ndudi Elumelu moved a motion on the urgent need to conclude the investigation of the gruesome murder of Oluwa Bamise and it was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha.

Rep. Elumelu bemoaned the reoccurring nature of the incidents of ritual killings in Nigeria. He bemoaned how many of such cases are underreported due to the stigma attached to victims of gender-based violence. Rep. Elumelu expressed further concern that if the requisite sensitization is not taken, young ladies will continue to fall victim to such monstrous attacks. He called on the Federal government, through the Nigerian police to fast-track the investigation to ensure the deceased and her family get justice and that the relevant Committees of the House should ensure compliance to serve as a deterrent to other would-be assailants of innocent ladies.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

Rep. Abubakar Fulata as the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business moved a motion for the House to suspend its relevant rules to allow for more than 2 motions of urgent public importance and it was seconded by Rep. Segun Odebunmi.

3. Rep. Nnoli Nnaji moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate and intervene in the sudden hike in the price of aviation fuel and it was seconded by Rep. Ifeanyi Momah.

Rep. Nnaji stated that the assault on Ukraine by Russia has driven the price of aviation fuel to upwards of N600 per litre and marketers are demanding full payment before supply. This he stated has seriously and adversely hit the aviation industry, as this was a completely unforeseen turn of events after the sector was barely recovering from the blow dealt by the worldwide ban on transportation due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. He called on the leadership of the House to intervene on the matter to bring a lasting solution to the issue.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

The Clerk of the House was directed to get in touch with the relevant Chairmen of the House Committees and other relevant stakeholders for an interactive meeting with the leadership of the House on Thursday, March 10th by 3:00 PM. They are to appear in person for the meeting and not send proxies as representatives.
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PRESENTATION OF BILL

Federal Polytechnic, Nyak-Shendam, Plateau State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1897) (Rep. Adamu Yusuf Gagdi) – First Reading.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of University of Maritime Studies, Oron, Akwa Ibom State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1595) (Senate) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed.

Rep. Onyejeocha called for the understanding of members to pass the Bill for second reading as it was an establishment Bill from the Senate seeking for concurrence of the House to establish the University of Maritime Studies in Akwa Ibom.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, Gboko to Train Medical Laboratory Science Personnel in Providing Accurate Diagnosis and Monitoring Treatments to meet the present and future needs in Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Healthcare and Research Centers in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.1680) (Rep. John Dyegh) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. John Dyegh moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Samson.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

3. A Bill for an Act to Provide Legal Framework to Establish Federal College of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Ngbor Okpala, Imo State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1583) (Rep. Bede Uchenna Eke) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Bede Uchenna moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulmumini.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

4. A Bill for an Act to Amend Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act; and for Related Matters (HB.1635) (Rep. Francis Charles Uduyoke) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Francis Uduyoke moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Jimoh.

Rep. Uduyoke stated that the Bill seeks to amend the duration for the prohibition period from what it is now.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs.

5. A Bill for an Act to Establish Nigerian Institute for Peace Support Operations and Humanitarian Studies (NIPSOHS); and for Related Matters (HB.1142) (Rep. Aminu Ashiru Mani) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Aminu Mani moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Babangida Alhassan.

The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Defence.
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MOTIONS

6. Re-Committal of Federal College of Education, Mutum Biyu, Taraba State (Establishment) Bill:
Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata:

The House:

Notes that the Federal College of Education, Mutum Biyu, Taraba State (Establishment) Bill was passed by the National Assembly and transmitted to the President for assent;

Observes that some fundamental issues which require fresh legislative action by the National Assembly emerged after a critical analysis of the Bill by the Presidency;

Cognizant of the need to recommit the Bill to address the fundamental issues raised;

Resolves to:

Rescind its decision on the Bill as passed and re-commit same to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration.

Debate
Rep. Abubakar Fulata moved the motion on the re-committal of Federal College of Education, Mutum Biyu, Taraba state (Establishment) Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Haruna Dederi.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

7. Need to Resuscitate the Urban Mass Transit Scheme in Nigeria:
Rep. Aniekan Umanah

The House:

Notes that in 1989, the Urban Mass Transit Scheme was established by the Federal Government to ameliorate transportation challenges in Nigeria;

Also notes that the objectives of the scheme were to moderate the national urban transit scheme, alleviate the problems of urban commuters and the general masses as well as lay the foundation for organized mass transit in Nigeria;

Aware that the scheme helped to reduce the overriding gap between increasing public transport demand and the decreasing supply in the transport market;

Also aware that almost all the States and Local Government Councils in the country including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as private entities participated in the scheme which greatly improved transportation for the people;

Concerned that the Mass Transport Scheme failed due to factors such as poor management and lack of strict processes, which weakened its sustainability;

Worried that millions of commuters across the country still experience difficulties in commuting due to insufficient mass transit vehicles thus exposing them to grave dangers such as harassment, kidnappings, and robbery, among other things;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Government to review the Mass Transport Policy and Management with a view to making transportation affordable and accessible as a social right to all Nigerians;

(ii) also urge the Federal Government to resuscitate the Urban Mass Transit Scheme in the interest of Nigerians;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Land Transport to liaise with relevant stakeholders with a view to establishing policy frameworks that would further improve the transportation sector and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Rep. Aniekan Umanah moved the motion on the need to resuscitate the Urban Mass Transit Scheme in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Saidu Yusuf Miga.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

8. Need to Address the Increasing Attacks and Insecurity in Edo State:
Rep. Dennis Idahosa:
The House:
Notes the increased insecurity involving kidnappings, banditry, murder, rape, torture and abuse meted out on residents of various communities in Edo State;

Also notes that on 31 January 2022, herdsmen invaded farmlands in Igolo and Abumwenre II Communities in Ovia Federal Constituency, leaving one person dead and at least two wounded with gunshot injuries and forcing the residents to flee into the neighbouring community of Okokhuo for refuge;

Further notes the incessant invasion and attacks by armed herdsmen on farmlands in Ologbo-Nugu, Umoghun-Nokhua, Orogho, Urhehue, Evboesi and Evbonogbon communities at the border of Edo and Delta state, which led to loss of lives and properties as well as destruction of agricultural produce of the residents who are mostly farmers;

Worried about the incessant attacks in some parts of Edo State which include the murder of a father and his three children in Egbonovon Community in January 2022, the abduction, torture and rape of seven women on 3 February 2022, the gruesome murder of Doctor Otote Osaikhuomwan of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), as well as kidnappings along Owan-Ihievbe Warrake Road in Benin City;

Also worried that on 2 February 2022, three women from Ologbo-Nugu Community were reportedly kidnapped, tortured and raped serially before they were eventually released with a warning to their husbands that the perpetrators would be revisiting to wipe out the entire community;

Concerned that the residents of Ologbo-Nugu who are predominantly farmers can no longer access their farmlands, which has adversely affected their economy and portends imminent food scarcity in Edo State and Nigeria at large;

Cognizant that if the insecurity in Edo State is not urgently addressed, it will pose a serious threat to the socio-economic development of the State;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Service (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to beef up security operations in the affected areas to safeguard lives and properties;

(ii) also urge the Inspector General of Police and other Security Agencies to ensure that all culprits involved in the attacks are brought to book;

(iii) further urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the victims in order to ameliorate their sufferings;

(iv) mandate the Committee on Army, Police Affairs and Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance;

(v) Observe a minute silence in honour of the deceased victims of attacks in Edo State.

Debate
Rep. Dennis Idahosa moved the motion on the need to address the increasing attacks and insecurity in Edo state and it was seconded by Rep. Chinedu Ogah.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

9. Urgent Need to Address the Rising Spate of Sexual Molestation in Nigeria:
Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson:

The House:

Notes that a United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) survey stated that one out of four girls and one out of ten boys in Nigeria are victims of sexual molestation and about one of ten children will be sexually abused before attaining the age 18 years;

Cognizant of the danger this ugly trend portends for the society and the future of Nigeria considering that victims of sexual molestation often end up as dysfunctional individuals, thus the future of the country is endangered if such criminal acts against children are left unchecked;

Worried that there has been an increase in reports of adults sexually abusing under-aged children, especially girls in Nigeria;

Also worried that the lack of healthy and protective parenting predisposes children to become perpetrators of the same vices, either now or in the future;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to prosecute reported cases of child sexual molestation to serve as a deterrent to others;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Justice to ensure compliance and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.

Debate
Rep. Ganiyu Johnson moved the motion on the urgent need to address the rising spate of sexual molestation in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Adeyemi Taofeek.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

10. Need to Strengthen Security Formations in Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State:
Rep. Sergius Ose Ogun:
The House:
Notes that Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that the security and welfare of the people of Nigeria shall be the primary purpose of government;

Also notes that the National Assembly is empowered by Section 4(2) of the 1999 Constitution to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation;

Worried about the country’s state of insecurity which has led to loss of lives, properties and destruction of infrastructure in several parts of the country;

Informed that on Thursday, 24 February, 2022, five banks in Uromi, the commercial center of Edo Central Senatorial District, Edo State was attacked by armed robbers who looted huge sums of money from the banks;

Disturbed that the attack led to the death of twenty-eight persons with many others sustaining injuries, thus causing heightened tension and pandemonium in the town;

Cognizant of the need to strengthen the security formations in Uromi and the entire Edo Central Senatorial District in Edo State in order to forestall further attacks and eradicate other cases of criminality in Uromi, its environs and Edo State in general;

Convinced that the setting up of a Nigerian Police Mobile Force Base and a Nigerian Army Barracks within Edo Central Senatorial District will go a long way in curbing crimes in Uromi and Edo State as a whole;

Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police to set up a Nigerian Army Barracks and a Nigerian Police Mobile Force Base respectively within Edo Central Senatorial District;

(ii) mandate the Committees on Army and Police Affairs to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action;

(iii) observe a minute of silence in honour of the deceased victims of attacks in Uromi, Edo State.

Debate
Rep. Sergius Ogun moved the motion on the need to strengthen security formations in Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo state and it was seconded by Rep. Sani Bala.

The motion was voted on and adopted.

11. Need to Construct a Bridge from Ishasi in Lagos State to Igbesa Community in Ogun State:
Rep. Jimoh Olusola Ojugbele:

The House:

Notes that Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone, situated in Igbesa, a major town in Ogun State was one of the eight Free Trade Zones established to strengthen trade relations between Nigeria and China, following the China-Africa Summit, held in Beijing in 2005;

Also notes that the total landmass of Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone is 10,000 hectares, with a primary focus on manufacturing and processing industries aimed at boosting economic development of Nigeria through industrial capacity building, job creation, poverty alleviation and local patronage;

Aware that the start-up phase of the Free Trade Zone, Igbesa has been completed and is in operation, generating an average output value of over 234 million US dollars per annum which has exceeded 2 billion dollars in total investment and directly employs over 6,000 people from the local community, making it one of the fast-growing industrial and real estate hubs in Ogun State;

Worried that the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Igbesa which is 55km from Apapa Seaport and 50km from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, lacks quality access road with resultant losses in time and materials as well as frustrating the ability of the free trade zone to fully maximize its potentials.

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to, through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Arrangement, facilitate the construction of a bridge to link Ishasi in Lagos State to Iteku Enroute Igbesa in Ogun State;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Works to ensure implementation.

Debate
Rep. Jimoh Ojugbele moved the motion on the need to construct a bridge from Ishasi in Lagos state to Igbesa community in Ogun state and it was seconded by Rep. Adisa Owolabi.

The motion was voted on and adopted.
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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase chairing:

12. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Capital Territory Satellite Towns Development Agency; and for Related Matters (HB. 43) – Committee of the Whole: 3/3/2022.

Summary of voting: Further consideration deferred for further clarification

13. Committee on Science and Technology:
Rep. Beni Lar:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on a Bill for an Act to Establish National Institute of Oil and Gas Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies, Egbema, Imo State and to make Comprehensive Provisions for Its Due Management and Administration, provide for Detailed Identification of Areas in Oil and Gas Technology and Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurial Studies; and for Related Matters (HB.1212) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 26/2/2022).

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Beni Lar stated that the Committee met with relevant stakeholders and the general public. The Bill is an establishment law seeking to establish the proposed institution in entrepreneurship studies and for studies in oil and gas technology which will be hugely beneficial to the nation in general.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-3, further consideration deferred for further legislative input

14. Committee on Science and Technology:
Rep. Beni Lar:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on a Bill for an Act to Establish National Renewable Energy Development Agency charged with Responsibility of Promoting the Use of Renewable Energy Resources; and for Related Matters (HB.1241)and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 26/11/2021).

Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Beni Lar stated that the committee also met with relevant stakeholders and with the Energy Commission of Nigeria, as well as other agencies of the power sector and there was a consensus that renewable energy is the way to go and it would conserve energy generation and distribution costs while ensuring more efficiency in the sector.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-12
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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 Deputy Leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by the Chief Whip, Rep. Mohammed Monguno.
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Adjournment:
The House at 13:41 adjourned plenary till Thursday, March 10th, 2022 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by the Chief Whip, Rep. Mohammed Monguno.

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