Source: House of Reps Speaker’s Media Office.
Votes and Proceedings:
Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yusuf Lasun presiding.
Announcement:
1. Voting on clauses of the constitution review would be held on Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27 July 2017, Members should endeavor to form a 2/3 quorum to ensure the voting is valid.
2. Northwest Caucus meeting by 8pm at Room 28
Point of Order
1. Hon. Kolawole Babatunde (Ondo) raised a point of order on alleged brutalizations on Nigerians at Eleme fertilizer company, Hon. Lado Suleja and Hon. Garba (Taraba) seconded the legs of the motion. Hon. Kolawole expanded that he is in the possession of video evidence showing forceful brutalizations on workers of the Eleme fertilizer company for staging a peaceful protest against the mean treatment at the hand of the foreign Management. He urged the House to use all mechanisms at its disposal to address this unfortunate incidence. As it was an Investigative Motion, the question was put to a voice vote and passed, Hon. Sunday Adepoju seconded the prayer.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1.Nigerian National Employment Trust Fund Bill, 2017 (HB. 1081) (Hon. Yakub A. Balogun and Hon. Sani Bala) — First Reading.
2.Nigerian Financial Intelligence Centre Bill, 2017 (HB. 1082) (Hon. Kayode Oladele) — First Reading.
3.Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017(HB. 1083) (Hon. Jones Chukwudi Onyereri) — First Reading.
4.Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (HB. 1084) (Hon. Dozie F. Nwankwo) — First Reading.
5.Export Prohibition Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (HB. 1085) (Hon. Dozie F. Nwankwo) — First Reading.
6.Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (HB. 1086) (Hon. Albert A. Adeogun) — First Reading.
PRESENTATION OF REPORT
Conference Committee Report on Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016:
Hon. Jones Chukwudi Onyereri:
“That the House do receive the Conference Committee Report on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Bankruptcy Act, Cap. B2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Re-enact the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, 2017 and for Related Matters (HB. 700)”. Hon. Nkiruka (Abia) seconded the laying of the Report.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1.A Bill for an Act to Provide a Legal Framework for Industrial Waste Minimization and Prohibit Indiscriminate Waste Disposal in Nigeria; to Protect Humanity and the Environment from Harm and to Provide for Environmental, Social, Economic and Cultural Benefits; Encourage Manufacturers, Industrialists and Organizations and for Related Matters (HB. 641) (Hon. Bassey Eko Ewa) — Second Reading.
Hon. Orker Jev asked the Bill to be stepped down as the sponsor was not present
2.A Bill for an Act to Establish the Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians Regulatory Board of Nigeria to be Vested with the Responsibility of Determining the Standards of Knowledge and Skills to be Attained by Persons seeking to become Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians and for Other Related Matters (HB.1017) (Hon. Mahmud A. Mohammed) — Second Reading.
Hon. Abdulkadir Mahmud moved that the Bill be read a second time. In leading the debate, Hon. Mahmud stated that after further investigation after thirst reading, it was obvious that an amendment to the title was necessary. He urged the creation of a Board to regulate the knowledge base and skills needed in those seeking to practice as pharmacists or pharmaceutical technicians, he stated that this was necessary as the existing umbrella Body regulates the working practice when they have started practicing. Hon. Achibong Okon (Akwa Ibom) noted in his contribution that a sector as vital as the pharmaceutical one shouldn’t be taken lightly at all, as the need to eliminate quackery from this sector is vital to the sustainability of human life in a weakened health stage and needing medication. The question was put to a voice vote and the long title was read a second time. The Bill was referred to the Committee on Health Institutions for further legislative action.
3.A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Education, Nsugbe to Provide Training and Teaching Instructions in every aspect of Education and such other Fields of Applied Learning relevant to the Needs of the Development of Education in Nigeria, Matters of Administration and Discipline of Students and for Related Matters (HB. 1067) (Hon. Tony Nwoye) — Second Reading.
Hon. Nwonye (Anambra) moved that the Bill be read a second time, Hon. Edward Pwajok (Plateau) seconded. Hon. Nwonye in his debate stated that there is a need for the Institution to be upgraded to reflect what is the obtainable standards internationally and equip the students with the needed platform to compete favorably with their counterparts within and outside the shores of Nigeria. This would also ensure the facilities at the institution is upgraded to meet up with its desired standard. Hon. Nicholas Osai (Delta) lent his voice to support the Bill and stated that he had earlier in his life visited the institute and he can attest to the efficacy of the College. He stated that it would do exceedingly well as a Federal University. The question was put to a voice vote and the long title was read a second time. It was referred to the Committee of Tertiary Institutions and Services.
4.A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Highways Act, Cap. F13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Enhance the Fines Prescribed under the Act and to Prohibit the Blockage of Highways in Nigeria and for Other Related Matters (HBs 684 and 722) (Hon. Taiwo Akintola and Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide Ihama) — Second Reading.
Hon. Akintola (Oyo) moved for the Bill to be read a second time, Hon. Omorege (Edo) seconded the Bill. Hon. Tobi Okechukwu raised a point of order that in the previous week the Leader of the House had moved that a similar Bill should be read a second time and it was, he stressed that the current Bill is part of that Bill passed and taking it would be a waste of Parliamentary time and process. Hon. Orker Jev explained that the Bill in question which was passed originated in the Senate, the House in the bid not to lose its unique identity stated that Bills will be harmonized later. Hon. Akintola stated that the Bill as it stands lacks the teeth to bite and ensure financial dividends of such Highways to the Federal Government. The question was put to a voice vote and the long title was read a second time. The Bill was referred to the Committee of the whole.
MOTIONS
5.Approval of the Request for Virement of Funds from various Budget Lines to Fund Federal Government’s Priority Projects and Programmes:
Hon. Mustapha Dawaki:
The House:
Recalls that on Thursday, 20 July, 2017, a Communication from the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria requesting for Virement of funds in the Appropriation Act, 2016 was read at plenary and referred to the Committee on Appropriations for further legislative action;
Notes that the request was in respect of Virement of funds for some critical priority projects for which adequate provisions were not made in the 2017 Appropriation Act;
Aware of an Agreement that the Executive Arm of Government could submit a Virement Proposal to the National Assembly for consideration;
Also notes that the total amount of Virement being proposed for the various Ministries is ₦135,643,018,749.00, the breakdown of which is as follows:
(i)Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing—₦46,004,049,292.00,
(ii)Federal Ministry of Transportation—₦66,000,000,000.00,
(iii)Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development₦1,000,000,000.00,
(iv)Federal Ministry of Interior —₦7,698,811,674.00,
(v)Federal Ministry of Defence —₦3,150,000,000.00,
(vi)Federal Ministry of Education —₦770,000,000.00,
(vii)Federal Capital Territory Administration —₦3,000,000,000.00,
(viii)Federal Ministry Health Headquarters —₦1,000,000,000.00,
(ix)Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation₦735,035,000.00,
(x)Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment—₦1,093,579,983.00,
(xi)Federal Ministry of Information and Culture—₦729,000,000.00,
(xii)Federal Ministry of Communications Technology —₦734,000,000.00,
(xiii) Federal Ministry of Water Resources —₦2,387,541,000.00,
(xiv) Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development —₦1,100,000,000.00,
(xv)Federal Ministry of Environment
—₦241,001,800.00,
Grand Total —₦135,643,018,749.00;
Resolves to:
Approve the Virement of the sum of ₦135,643,018,749.00 to fund some critical priority projects in the 2017 Appropriation Act.
Hon. Orker Jev moved that the Motion be stepped down.
6.Procedure on Delegated Legislations: Pursuant to Order One, Rule 1 (2) of the Standing Orders of the House:
Hon. E. Y. Orker-Jev:
The House:
Aware of Section 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 which confers powers on the National Assembly to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative list set out in Part I of the Second Schedule to the Constitution;
Notes that in the exercise of the above powers, the National Assembly had, at various times, enacted laws that established government departments, statutory agencies, bodies and corporations to carry out various executive functions on behalf of the Federal Government;
Also notes that the various Acts establishing those statutory bodies delegated powers to them to make Rules and Regulations to aid their operations;
Observes that in delegating those powers to the statutory bodies, the National Assembly had not been incorporating into the Acts provisions to enable it examine the Rules and Regulations made by those Agencies before they come into force, as a result of which some of those Rules and Regulations exceed the powers conferred under the enabling Acts;
Also aware that the global trend is for the Agencies to lay those Rules and Regulations before the Parliament for approval before implementation and the practice, the world over is for Parliament to approve the Rules and Regulations within thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days from the time of presentation to the Parliament, else the Rule or Regulation automatically comes into effect;
Further notes that no procedure has been provided in the Standing Orders of the House for consideration and approval of the Rules and Regulations;
Resolves to adopt the following procedure on Delegated Legislations:
(a) any government department, statutory agency, body or corporation that makes a Rule or Regulation pursuant to the power conferred on it under its enabling Act shall communicate the Rule or Regulation to the Speaker who shall, on receipt of the communication, refer it to the Committee on Delegated Legislations;
(b) the Committee on Delegated Legislations shall consider the Rule or Regulation and may obtain input from the Standing Committee having dominant jurisdiction over the Agency and within fourteen (14) days, present its Report to the House for consideration;
(c) the Committee on Rules and Business shall within seven (7) days schedule the Report and the House may approve the Rule or Regulation within thirty (30) days and transmit its Resolution to the Senate for concurrence;
(d) if the Senate amends any aspect of the Resolution, a Conference Committee of the Senate and the House shall be constituted to deliberate only on the areas of disagreement. The Committee shall not insert any matter not contained in the Resolution referred to it or delete any matter agreed to by either the House or the Senate. However, if the Committee observes any apparent constitutional breach or infraction of a provision of any Act in the Resolution, it may amend the Resolution accordingly and such amendment shall form part of the Rule or Regulation to be laid for adoption by both Chambers; and
(e)the Clerk to the National Assembly shall, as soon as possible, communicate the Resolution on the Rule or Regulation to the department, agency or corporation concerned for implementation.
Hon. Orker Jev moved the Motion, Hon. Simon Arabo seconded, the Motion was put to a voice vote and passed.
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila raised a point of order that the Motion in its implication seeks to amend a standing Act and it cannot come via a Motion. It must be a separate Legislation. The Speaker asked that the Motion be stepped down until the Act is consulted.
7.Call to Reverse the Decision of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to Bar Universities of Technology from offering Courses Outside their Core Mandates:
Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim Hon. Orker-Jev E.Y.:
The House:
Notes that the Federal Government, in 1981, established five Universities of Technology, namely, the Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola, Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University of Technology (ATBU), Bauchi and Federal University of Technology, Akure to cater for the special needs of the country for manpower in technology;
Also notes that the Federal Government subsequently established three (3) Universities of Agriculture, namely Federal University of Agriculture (FUAM), Makurdi, Federal University of Agriculture (FUAAB), Abeokuta and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), Umudike, Abia State;
Further notes that following a threat by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to delist all non-core subjects from the portal of the Universities of Agriculture, with a view to stopping them from admitting students to study those subjects, the House, on 4 April, 2017 adopted a Resolution following a Motion by Hon. Sam Onuigbo urging JAMB to stop action on the delisting of “non-agricultural courses at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State and the other two Agricultural Universities to enable candidates to continue to enroll in those courses in the forthcoming matriculation examinations pending the resolution of the matter”;
Observes that JAMB has not only ignored the resolution but had gone ahead and delisted the non-core courses from the portals of those universities, including those of Universities of Technology offering management courses which were introduced based on the demands of their host communities and on international best practices, which the NUC, through yearly accreditation visits, approved for those Universities to offer at under graduate and post graduates levels;
Aware that the Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) also undertakes, based on NUC approval, the Open and Distance Learning programme, but sometime in March 2017, the Vice-Chancellors of those eight Universities were verbally informed by the NUC and JAMB that they would no longer be allowed to admit students outside those that offer technical subjects;
Concerned that this directive curiously exempted Abubakar Tafewa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi even though it offers management and related courses and established by the same Act as the other Universities of Technology at Minna, Owerri, Abeokuta and Yola;
Also concerned that JAMB had surreptitiously taken down all Management related courses from the portals of the seven universities such that for the 2017/2018 academic year, no candidate was able to access the website of the Universities to apply for admission to study a Management course in any of them but the one for ATBU, Bauchi is still open;
Also observes that out of the 20,814 under graduate and post graduate level students of MAUTECH, Yola, up to 4,642 undergraduate and 489 postgraduate students are studying Management courses, thus making the Faculty of Management the largest faculty in the university and since the University also undertakes Open Distance Learning programme that has 3,961 students, 90% of whom are studying Management and allied courses, 9,092 number of students would no longer be admitted in MAUTECH to study Management courses, if the directive is not reversed;
Further concerned that since the criteria issued by the NUC for a university to operate the Open and Distance Learning programme is that the university must be offering the programme at under graduate level for courses accredited by the NUC, it therefore follows that if the under graduate programme is delisted, the Open and Distance Learning programme must equally be discontinued and therefore MAUTECH would no longer offer Distance Learning programmes;
Cognizant that most Universities of Technology in the world offer Management courses, hence the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) both in the USA, as well as the Loughborough University of Science and Technology in the UK (which are the 3 best Universities of Technology in the world) undertake Management courses, and what is more, the famous London School of Economics offers Law as a course of study;
Also cognizant of the peculiar circumstance of MAUTECH, Yola that is situated squarely under the rubric of educationally less developed area in the North East Zone that was the focal point of the Boko Haram insurgency whose central ideology was the abolishment of Western education and in the bid to achieve the evil aim, destroyed schools and killed staff and students, thereby retarding educational development in the area by several decades;
Believes that the delisting of those courses will lead to highly qualified lecturers teaching those courses having to lose their jobs and candidates wishing to study those Management related courses being denied the opportunities of studying courses of their choice in the University within their locality;
Resolves to:
(i)call on JAMB to, in the interim, re-open its portal for candidates desirous of securing admission to study Management courses being offered by those universities to apply for admission in the 2017/2018 academic session pending the outcome of investigation by the House; and
(ii)mandate the Committees on Tertiary Education and Services, and Agricultural Production and Services to investigate the reasons and services propriety as well as the legal, social and economic consequences of the NUC’s decision to delist non-core courses from the websites of the affected Universities and also determine the exclusion of ATBU, Bauchi from the directive and report back within five (5) weeks for further legislative action.
The Motion was stepped down by the leave of the House
8.Need to Construct Roads to the Nigerian Crude Oil Onshore Terminals:
Hon. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante:
The House:
Notes the critical importance of the oil and gas industry as the fulcrum of the economy with oil and gas exports accounting for more than 98% of the nation’s earnings;
Also notes that since oil was discovered in commercial quantity in 1956 with full production commencing in 1958, five major terminals from which crude oil is loaded for export have been built at Bonny in 1961, Escravos in 1968, Forcados and Qua Iboe in 1971 and Brass in 1975, all spread across the four States of Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa;
Observes that since the commissioning of those terminals, no motorable road had been built to service them and also benefit the host communities, a situation that is contributing to the feeling of neglect and exclusion by the host communities which is compounded by the environmental degradation and the attendant devastating impact on their means of livelihood and health;
Concerned that the continued neglect of the communities is a catalyst for endless agitations, militancy and sabotage of oil installations with the resultant loss of huge revenues to the nation;
Resolves to:
(i)call on the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to make provisions for road infrastructure to the five major oil terminals of Bonny, Escravos, Forcados, Qua-Iboe and Brass in the 2018 budget; and
(ii)mandate the Committees on Works, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within eight (8) weeks for further legislative action.
9.Call for Rehabilitation of J4-Ibiade-Iwopin Road in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, Ogun State:
Hon. Adekoya Adesegun Abdel-Majid:
The House:
Notes that J4-Ibiade-Iwopin Road in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency was constructed in 1977 to support the industrial conglomerates like Iwopin Pulp and Paper Mill (IPPC) which is the largest pulp producing company in West Africa, Michelin Rubber Estate, Ilushin Rubber Limited, Lomiro Palm Oil Company, Links Gateway Industrial and Petrogas Institute, Oni (a Monotechnic) and the proposed OKLNG and Deep Seaport;
Aware that the deplorable condition of the road is adversely affecting the economic potentials of the area, particularly the production of pulp needed for paper mills, lumps for rubber production, consumable palm and vegetable oils, cassava and fishing activities;
Also aware that the rehabilitation of the road will attract investors to the area, thereby encouraging economic activities, creating employment opportunities and easing movement of travelers and agricultural produce across the South West zone and Nigeria at large while saving lives and eliminating armed robbery attacks on the road;
Resolves to:
(i)urge the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to rehabilitate the road as an interim measure;
(ii)call on the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to include the reconstruction of the road in the 2018 budget estimate; and
(iii)mandate the Committees on FERMA, Works, and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
Hon. Adekoya (Ogun) moved the Motion, Hon. Ola (Ekiti) supported. As an infrastructure Motion the question was put to a voice vote and passed.
10.Need for Rehabilitation of Otukpo-Ugboju-Onyagede-Ankpa Road:
Hon. Ezekiel A. Adaji:
The House:
Notes that a significant number of the people of Otukpo, Ugboju, Onyagede and Ankpa in Benue and Kogi States are farmers whose primary source of livelihood is sale of Agricultural produce, and those areas are indispensable in the supply of food and raw materials to the urban centers and this primary activity of farming forms the foundation for self-sufficiency in food production in those communities;
Observes that the Otukpo-Ugboju-Onyagede-Ankpa Federal road is the main road linking Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency with the South Western part of Nigeria and is also the evacuation route for agricultural produce and other commodities to other parts of the country;
Concerned that the deplorable state of the road has not only slowed down the economic activities of the people of those areas, but has also increased the cost of transportation and movement of commodities to the urban centers as public transport operators hike up the fares because of the increased running costs of vehicles occasioned by the dilapidated state of the road, thereby increasing the poverty rate and accidents that result in loss of lives and damage to goods;
Also concerned that the dilapidation of the road has been accelerated in recent times by frequent movement of heavy duty trucks that convey coal extracted from Awowo Community and believing that rehabilitation of the Road will bring succor to the people and enhance their living conditions;
Resolves to:
(i)urge the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to include the rehabilitation of Otukpo-Ugboju-Onyagede-Ankpa Road in the 2018 budget proposal; and
(ii)mandate the Committee on Works to ensure compliance.
Hon. Adaji Ezeikel (Benue) moved the Motion, Hon. Mohammed Sani seconded, As an infrastructure Motion the question was put to a voice vote and passed.
11.Devastating Effects of Ndiegoro Flood Disaster and the Need to Prevent Re-occurrence:
Hon. Prestige Ossy:
The House:
Recalls that in 1980, Ndiegoro Community in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State was submerged by flood, killing dozens and rendering countless families homeless; Also recalls that following the visit of former President Shehu Shagari to the erosion site on the invitation of former Governor Sam Mbakwe, the Federal Government awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of the affected areas, however the said contract was later suspended while the persistent flood/ erosion continues to wreck havoc in Ndiegoro making it impossible to get into the community both during the rainy or dry season due to the devastating effects of the erosion, leaving hundreds of thousands of people living in that Community in fear of being submerged by flood;
Concerned that houses and properties worth millions of Naira have been submerged by the flood in Akoli Street, Ohanku, Umuogele, Umuagbai village, Obohia Road, Uratta, Obuda and environs;
Cognizant that unless urgent steps are taken to arrest the situation, the whole Ndiegoro Community and environs could be submerged by the ravaging flood which is constantly and relentlessly threatening to wipe away the entire Community;
Resolves to:
(i)call on the Ecological Fund Office to include funds in the 2018 Appropriation Bill for remediation of the Ndiegoro flooding menace;
(ii)urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to, as a matter of urgency, provide relief materials to the victims of the erosion/flood disaster; and
(iii)mandate the Committees on Environment and Habitat, and Disaster and Emergency Preparedness to ensure implementation.
Hon. Ossy Prestige (Abia) moved the Motion, Hon. Gyang (Plateau) seconded the Motion, the question was put to a voice vote and passed. As an infrastructure Motion the question was put to a voice vote and passed.
12.Need for Reconstruction of Collapsed Briyel Bridge and Construction of Roads Linking Bayo-Kwaya Kusar-Biu:
Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu:
The House:
Notes that the road linking Bayo – Kwaya Kusar and Biu in Southern Borno with other North Eastern States of Gombe and Bauchi has been washed away by erosion which also led to the collapse of Briyel Bridge at Bayo Local Government Area of Borno State;
Also notes that Chikwarkir Bridge along Biu – Damboa – Maiduguri Road, which was blown away two (2) years ago by Boko Haram insurgents, is yet to be reconstructed, thereby making Biu – Damboa Road, which links Biu Emirate to Maiduguri, the State capital and other neighbouring States, inaccessible;
Aware that the rehabilitation of Gombe – Kwaya Kusar – Biu Road was captured in the 2017 Appropriation Act, but the failure to reconstruct the Briyel and Chikwarkir Bridges along Biu-Damboa and Gombe-Kwaya-Kusar-Biu Roads is endangering the lives of people of the area and other motorists and is also hindering socio-economic, commercial and agricultural activities of the people;
Resolves to:
(i)call on the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to commence reconstruction of Briyel and Chikwarkir Bridges along Biu-Damboa and Gombe-Kwaya-Kusar-Biu Roads, and also rehabilitation of the said roads; and
(ii)mandate the Committees on Works, and FERMA to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Hon. Muktar (Borno) moved the Motion, Hon. Hon. Ali Ahmed seconded the Motion, As an infrastructure Motion the question was put to a voice vote and passed.
13.Need to Reconstruct the Badagry – Abeokuta-Sokoto Expressway:
Hon. Ayoade Olugbenga Ojoawo:
The House:
Notes that good and motorable road network contributes to the social and economic development of any nation;
Also notes that the Federal Government, under former President Olusegun Obasanjo conceived the idea of a road leading from the South West to the Northern part of Nigeria in the late 1970s to traverse from Abeokuta to Sokoto in order to provide an alternative and faster route for conveyance of goods and services to the Northern part of the country;
Observes that the portion of the road connecting Abeokuta-Igboora-Eruwa, Lanlate-Iseyin is currently in a very bad state, thus constituting a death trap and insecurity due to incessant accidents and constant attacks by bandits which makes transportation of goods within those areas cumbersome and dangerous;
Concerned that the business activities of the people living in those areas are being hampered, thereby dissuading investors from investing in those areas;
Resolves to:
(i)urge the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to include the reconstruction of the Badagry – Abeokuta – Sokoto Expressway in the 2018 Appropriation budget; and
(ii)mandate the Committee on Works to ensure implementation.
Hon. Ayoade Olugbenga moved the Motion, Hon. Muazu (Gombe) seconded the Motion, As an infrastructure Motion the question was put to a voice vote and passed.
14.Need to Investigate the Invasion of Ipetu-Ijesa Campus of Osun State University and Assault of Students and Staff by Personnel of the Nigerian Air Force Safety Institute, Ipetu-Ijesa, Osun State:
Hon. Oluwole Oke:
The House:
Notes that on Tuesday, 23 May, 2017, personnel of the Nigerian Air Force Safety Institute, Ipetu – Ijesa, Osun State invaded the Ipetu – Ijesa campus of Osun State University and used guns, clubs, knives and other lethal weapons to attack students and staff of the University, leaving numerous persons severely injured and later hospitalized;
Also notes that as a result of the fear and apprehension that gripped the University community following the assault, the university had to be closed down for a week and the students were forced to embark on unplanned journeys that subjected them to avoidable hazards and inconveniences;
Observes that the action of the personnel of the Air Force is a throwback to the abusive patterns and behaviors of security forces during the bygone military era and amounted to a gross violation of the right to the dignity of the human person enshrined in section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999;
Concerned that if urgent steps are not taken to address these concerns, security personnel could become emboldened to indiscriminate use of force to settle personal scores which will lead to a breakdown of law and civilized behavior that govern the society;
Resolves to:
Constitute an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the allegations of assault on students and staff of Ipetu-Ijesa Campus of Osun State University by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force Safety Institute, Ipetu-Ijesa and report back within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.
Hon. Oluwole Oke (Osun) moved the Motion, Hon. Sule Garo (Kano) seconded the Motion, Hon. Samson (Benue) as the Chairman House Committee on Air Force stated that the Air Force has made steps to address the situation and if the House stresses to investigate, it would look like the House doesn’t appreciate their effort. The Deputy Minority Leader however stated that the Air Force cannot be judge in the affair and should be investigated. The Motion was amended to have the Standing Committee of the House look into it instead of setting up an Ad-Hoc Committee. The question was put and the Motion passed as amended.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
15.Ad-hoc Committee on Development and Standardization of Manuals and Templates for the House of Representatives:
Hon. Aminu Shehu Shagari:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on Development and Standardization of Manuals and Templates for the House of Representatives on the Bills Drafting Manual and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 11/5/2017).
Hon. Shagari (Sokoto) moved to have the report considered, Hon. E. J.Agbonima (Edo) seconded. The question was put to a voice vote and passed.
16.Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Betty Apiafi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Radiographers (Registration, etc.) Act, Cap. R1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 8/6/2017).
17.Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Betty Apiafi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Regulate the Medical Residency Training Programme in Nigeria and for Other Related Matters (HB. 982) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 8/6/2017).
18.Committee on Health Institutions:
Hon. Betty Apiafi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on an Investigative Hearing on the Joint Venture Agreement between the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada and Crystal Thorpe Nigeria Limited and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 8/7/2017):
(i) that the PPP/JVA between the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and Crystal Thorpe Nigeria Limited be concealed and a transparent due process be followed;
(ii) that the Primary and Secondary Healthcare in Nigeria has failed, the Tertiary Healthcare is the only hope of the nation’s Health Sector and therefore owes it a duty to Nigerians to ensure service delivery in this Sector.
Hon. Betty Apiafi (Rivers) moved for the consideration of the 3 Bills, Hon. Jega Mohammed Umar (Kebbi) seconded the Motion, the question was put to a voice vote and passed.
19.Committee on Telecommunications:
Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Telecommunications on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Stamp Duties Act, Cap. S8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to ensure Compliance with Current Realities and for Related Matters (HB. 889) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 15/6/
Hon. Saheed Fijabi moved that the House consider the report, Hon. Emeka Chukwu seconded, the question was put to a voice vote and passed.
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila moved that the House resolve to a Committee of the Whole to consider the Reports, Hon. Tahir Monguno seconded the Move, the question was put to a voice vote and passed.
Consideration of Reports
1. Hon. Shagari stated that after the Committee reviewed the manuals from NILS on Parliamentary functions, the Committee noticed that most Bills brought before the House are not standard, there was therefore a need to develop a template to standardize forms of Bills prepared and brought before the House to ensure wholesomeness. With 4 Chapters, the report is very extensive and seeks to ensure professionalism in Bill drafting manuals. The requests were carried.
2. Hon. Betty Apiafi stated that the first Report seeks to provide for stiffer penalties for erring members of public through amendment, clause 6 (2) and long title were carried. The second Report seeks to make some amendments, Hon. Sunday Adepoju seconded the amendment, Hon. Shagari (Sokoto) made a further amendment on Legal grounds to change the the phrase ‘more than’ to ‘not exceeding’ the amendment was asked and the Report was carried as amended. The Third Report stated that the University of Abuja training center for Medical students that had been constructed with huge public funds appropriated for was well constructed was kept under lock and key without facilities and beginning to show signs of decay. Concerned; the House through its relevant Committee went on to investigate and found that a former Health Minister branched contractual Laws by not letting an open bidding for the construction contract award, and went on to have a bilateral agreement with a private Firm which seems to have a higher percentage profit than the Federal Government. The backlash had caused the stalling of the opening and running of the facilities. The recommendations were carried.
3. Hon. Saheed Fijabi stated that the Report is to make an Amendment and make the Act reflect international standards so that Nigeria doesn’t seem left behind by growing trends. And also to ensure that offenders face stiffer penalties. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila moved that the report be stepped down so that the clauses of the report be considered extensively. Hon. Shagari (Sokoto) also scrutinized the format of the report and suggested it be changed before further consideration, as the format does not follow the Standard of House Reports. In consideration of the advice, Hon. Fijabi stepped down the report. The consideration was deferred.
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as House Leader moved that the House revert to Plenary, Hon. Tahir Monguno (Acting Deputy Leader) seconded. The House in Plenary then adopted the proceedings of the Committee of whole the after Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila moved to that effect and Hon. Tahir Monguno seconded
Adjournment
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila moved for the adjournment of the House.