The House of Representatives this Week March 7 – 11, 2016
The House of Representatives this Week
#RepsThisWeek
The following are the summary of activities that happened on the floor of the House of Representatives (March 7 – 11, 2016)
1. Message from the President
President Muhammadu Buhari wrote to the House of Representatives to inform it of the State Visit of His Excellency, Mr. Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa and the need to address a joint sitting of the National Assembly.
2. Personal Explanation (Order VIII, Rule 47)
Hon. Babajimi Benson (Ikorodu Federal Constituency) drew the attention of the House to its Resolution (HR.71/2016) of Wednesday, 2 March, 2016, abducted Female Students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School (BMJS) in Ikorodu, Lagos State, and informed the House that the abducted girls have been found and released to their families. He expressed appreciation to the House, the GOVERNOR OF Lagos State and the Nigeria Police for their efforts in securing the release of the girls.
3. Matter Requiring the Attention of the House : The International Women’s Day, 2016
Mr. Speaker invited the Chairman, Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Stella Ngwu to address the House to mark the International Women’s Day, 2016 (March 8), and the theme for this year’s celebration is “50 – 50 By 2030: Step it up for Gender Equality”.
4. Petitions from the following bodies/ persons were presented and laid
i. A petition from Broadview Solicitors (Barrister, Solicitors and Consultants) on behalf of Nwankwo Clement Julius on the refusal of the Nigerian Immigration Services to re-issue his Nigerian passport was presented and laid by Hon. Ossy Prestige Chinedu Ehiriodu.
5. Some Committee Reports Presented to the House for the week
I. Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission: “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission on Non-Enforcement of the Conditions for the Establishment, Registration and Operation of Driving Schools by the Federal Road Safety Commission” (Hon. Abubakar Ahmed Yunusa:) (Referred: 29/9/2015).
II. Committee on Public Petitions: Report on the Petition by Mr. Abraham Ebhoaye: “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Mr. Abraham Ebhoaye on National Pension Commission’s application of the New Pension Scheme rather than the Old Scheme in the calculation of his Pension Entitlement” Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta: (Referred: 3/12/2015).
III. Committee on Public Petitions – Report on the Petition by Mrs. Elizabeth Awan: “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Mrs. Elizabeth Awan against Diamond Bank PLC on the termination of her appointment” Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta: (Referred: 19/11/2015).
IV. Committee on Public Petitions – Report on the Petition by Mr. Tajudeen Anthony Alade: “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Mr. Tajudeen Anthony Alade against the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) on alleged discrimination in the Promotion Interview conducted by the Corporation to fill the vacant post of a Deputy Director” Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta (Referred: 6/10/2015).
V. Committee on Public Petitions – Report on the Petition by Owanemi Theophilus: “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Owanemi Theophilus against Nigerian AGIP Oil Company (NAOC) over alleged negligence which resulted in the death of Fourteen (14) people ” Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta (Referred: 13/7/2015).
VI. Committee on Public Petitions -Report on the Petition by Miss Nkechi Okeugo: “That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Miss Nkechi Okeugo against the Nigerian Customs Service on alleged dismissal from service ” Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta (Referred: 16/12/2015.
VII. House Delegation to Kogi State on the Illegal Removal of the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly – “That the House do consider the Report of the House Delegation to Kogi State on the Illegal Removal of the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly and approve the recommendations therein” Hon. Pally Iriase (Laid 3/3/2016)
VIII. Committees on Telecommunications and Privatization and Commercialization: “That the House do consider the Report of the Committees on Telecommunications and Privatization and Commercialization on the Liquidation and Takeover of Nigerian Telecommunications PLC (NITEL) and Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MITEL) by NATCOM and approve the recommendations therein” Hon. Saheed Akinlade Fijabi (Laid: 1/3/2016).
(i) That the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) in enforcing due process, transparency and adopting procedure in line with international best practice during the entire sale process should adopt and apply such procedure on future Privatisation exercises;
(ii) that the Federal Government should encourage NATCOM Consortium, owners of NITEL and MTEL by creating an enabling environment that will make the two entities compete favourably with other Telecom Companies. This is because, NATCOM Consortium is an indigenous Company with great potential of creating employment opportunities, reduce the huge amount of Capital flight that is currently being experienced in the telecoms sector and foster strategic competition that is capable of further reducing the cost of communication in Nigeria;
(iii) that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should meet its obligation and commitment to the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the core investor (NATCOM) in line with the Presidential approval on licenses and spectrum for the effective take-off of NITEL and MTEL;
(iv) that the Bureau of Public Enterprises in its post-acquisition function should in line with efficacy and efficiency encourage a local company like (NATCOM) being the core investors.
IX. Committee on Public Petitions – Report on the Petition by George Temidara Akinfolarin: “That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by George Temidara Akinfolarin against the Nigerian Ports Authority on wrongful disengagement from service and approve the recommendation therein” Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta (Laid: 16/2/2016):
Uphold the prayer of the petitioner, George Temidara Akinfolarin, for reinstatement and payment of all entitlements accruing to him from the day the alleged dismissal took effect.
X. Committee on Public Petitions – Report on the Petition by Usaini Garba Yakassi ; “That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Usaini Garba Yakassi against the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and approve the recommendation therein” Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta: (Laid: 16/2/2016): Urge the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to compute the entitlements of Usaini Garba Yakassi and pay him within a reasonable time.
XI. Committee on Public Petitions – Report on the Petition by Mr. Lawal Ayodele : “That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Mr. Lawal Ayodele against the Federal Road Safety Commission for unlawful termination of his appointment without benefits and approve the recommendations therein” Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta: (Laid: 16/2/2016):
(i) Urge the Federal Road Safety Commission to pay all his entitlements;
(ii) The petitioner should apply formally to the Federal Road Safety Commission for the computation of his pension and gratuity and other entitlements.
6. Some Bills Presented for first reading
7. Some Bills for Second reading
(i) A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and Re-enact the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to Provide for Measures for the Prevention and Prohibition of Money Laundering in Nigeria, and for Other Related Matters (HB. 390) (Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila).
(ii) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 by repealing some Provisions and including some definitions; and for Other Matters Connected Therewith, (HB. 410) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok).
(iii) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Labour Act, Cap. L1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Other Matters Connected Therewith, (HB. 257) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok)
(iv) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Labour Act, Cap, L1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Other Matters Connected Therewith, (HB. 339) (Hon. Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi).
(v) A Bill for an Act to Repeal the People’s Bank of Nigeria Act, Cap. P7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (HB. 353) (Hon. Goni Bukar Lawan) – Second Reading.
(vi) A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds (Registration Etc.) Act, Cap. N27, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Other Matters Connected Therewith (HB. 218) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta) – Second Reading.
(vii) A Bill for an Act to Alter Sections 88 and 128 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and for Other Matters Related Thereto, (HB. 391) (Hon.Bassey Eko Ewa) – Second Reading.
(viii) A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Ports Authority Act, Cap. N126, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Re-enact the Nigerian Ports Authority Bill, 2016 to Establish the Nigerian Ports and Harbours Authority to Provide for the Ownership, Management and Development of Ports and Harbours and for Other Related Matters (HB. 50) (Hon. Ossai N. Ossai) – Second Reading.
(ix) A Bill for an Act to Regulate the Disposal of Wastes by Industries or Companies; Prohibit Environmental Pollution, Prescribe Penalties against Offenders and for Other Matters Related Thereto (HB. 346) (Hon. Ayuba Mohammed Bello) – Second Reading.
(x) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act, Cap. S9, LFN 2004 to Empower the Organization to compile and Publish Quarterly an Inventory of Substandard Products in circulation and impose stiffer penalties on defaulters and for Other Matters Related Thereto; (HB. 47) (Hon. Oghene Emma Egoh) – Second Reading.
(xi) A Bill for an Act to Establish the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Provide for Additional Powers and Functions to the Office, Establish the Federal Audit Service Commission; Repeal the Audit Act of 1956, the Public Accounts Committees Act, Cap. P35, LFN, 2004 and Re-enact the Federal Audit Service Bill, 2015; and for Other Matters Related Thereto (HB. 107) Committee of the Whole 15/12/2015.
(xii) A Bill for an Act to Establish the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Provide for Additional Powers and Functions to the Office, Establish the Federal Audit Service Commission; Repeal the Audit Act of 1956, the Public Accounts Committees Act, Cap. P35, LFN, 2004 and Re-enact the Federal Audit Service Bill, 2015; and for Other Matters Related Thereto (HB. 107) Committee of the Whole 15/12/2015.
(xiii) A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria to Provide for the Control of its Membership and to promote the practice of Public Management in Nigeria and for Other Matters Connected Therewith (HB. 78) – Committee of the Whole 16/2/2016
(xiv) A Bill for an Act to Repeal and Re-enact the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Authority Act, and to provide for the Designation and Establishment of Oil and Gas Free Zones and Special Investment Areas in Nigeria; Establishment of the Oil and Gas Investment and Free Zones Authority; and for Other Related Matters (HB. 64) (Hon. Darlington Nwokocha).
(xv) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Authority Act, Cap. O5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 with a view to providing for the Designation and Establishment of Oil and Gas Free Zones and Sub-Zones in Nigeria and for Other Related Matters (HB. 332) (Hon. E. Y Orker Jev, Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta).
(xvi) A Bill for an Act to Repeal and Re-enact the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Authority Act to provide for the Designation and Establishment of Oil and Gas Free Zones and Special Investment Areas in Nigeria, Establishment of the Oil and Gas Investment and Free Zones Authority and for Other Related Matters (HB. 400) (Hon. Sylvester Ogbaga).
(xvii) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Armed Forces Act, Cap. A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make the appointments of Service Chiefs subject to confirmation by the National Assembly and for Other Matters Related Thereto, (HB. 70) (Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe).
(xviii) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Armed Forces Act, Cap. A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for the Appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff and for Other Matters Connected Therewith, (HB. 149) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok)
(xix) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, Cap E1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Other Matters Connected Therewith, (HB. 326) (Hon. Bede Uchenna Eke)
(xx) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, Cap E1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for quick Recovery Procedures for Stolen Assets, Implement active pursuit of cases, Build Capacity and improve Trust and Co-operation with Foreign Counterparts; ensure adequate funding of the Commission; Establish the Economic and Financial Crimes Courts and for Other Matters Connected Therewith, (HB. 393) (Hon. Bassey Eko Ewa)
(xxi) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. C20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to, among others, facilitate the process of incorporation, and for Other Matters Connected Therewith (HB 151) (Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim)
(xxii) A Bill for an Act to provide for the Protection of Persons who Render Reasonable Assistance during Emergency situations occurring at places within Federal Jurisdiction and to serve as a mode to be adopted by the States of the Federation and for Other Matters Connected Therewith (HB. 171) (Hon. Benson Babajimi) – Second Reading.
(xxiii) A Bill for an Act to Reduce the Incidence of Unsolicited Telephone Calls and Text Messages being Received by Consumers and for Other Matters Connected Therewith (HB. 406) (Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki) – Second Reading.
(xxiv) A Bill for an Act to Authorize Private Persons to initiate or conduct a Criminal Proceeding against another person who is alleged to have committed a crime or contravened any Act and for Other Matters Connected Therewith (HB. 408) (Hon. Oni Olamide Johnson) – Second Reading.
(xxv) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap M 8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, to, among others, make Provisions for Compensation for Medical Malpractice and Negligence and for Other Matters Connected Therewith and Review Upwards Practicing Fees and Penalties (HBs. 141 and 351) (Hon. Kingsley Obinna Onwubuariri) (Hon. Danburam Abubakar Nuhu) – Second Reading.
(xxvi) A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Establishment and Development) Commission to encourage, Promote and Co-ordinate Traditional Medicine Practice in Nigeria and for Other Matters Connected Therewith (HB. 409) (Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo) – Second Reading.
(xxvii) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Pre-Shipment Inspection of Export Act, Cap P25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Provide that a Person acting for a body Corporate is equally guilty alongside the body Corporate for an Offence Committed by it; and for Other Matters Connected Therewith, (HB. 363) (Hon. Abdullahi Umar Faruk) – Second Reading.
(xxviii) A Bill for an Act to Establish the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Provide for Additional Powers and Functions to the Office, Establish the Federal Audit Service Commission; Repeal the Audit Act of 1956, the Public Accounts Committees Act, Cap. P35, LFN, 2004 and Re-enact the Federal Audit Service Bill, 2015; and for Other Matters Related Thereto (HB. 107) Adjourned Consideration: 09/03/2016.
6. Some Motions Considered for the week
I. The Need to Promote Gender Parity in the Work Place and Call for a stand against Violence and Abuse of Women and the Girl Child on the Occasion of the International Day for Women (Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha)
The House Resolved to:
(i) condemn all forms of discrimination based on gender, forced marriages, violence against women and female genital mutilation;
(ii) pledge its support and encouragement to efforts that are in support of women who are victims of gender based violence;
(iii) join the rest of the world in the celebration of this year’s International Day for Women.
II Reconsideration of Outstanding Bills from the Preceding Assembly: Order XII, Rule 94: Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (HB. 382) (Hon. Evelyn Omavowan Oboro)
The House resolved to:
Commit the Bill to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
III Urgent Need for Completion of the Northern Ishan Water Supply Scheme (Hon. Sergious Ose)
The House Resolved to:
Mandate the Committees on Water Resources and Appropriations to include the sum of 300 million Naira only in the 2016 budget for the completion, commissioning and utilization of the project.
IV Reconsideration of Outstanding Bills from the Preceding Assembly; Order XII, Rule 94: Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of Nigeria Bill, 2016 (Hon. Yusuf Ayo Tajudeen)
The House resolved to:
Commit the Bill to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
VI. Call for Investigation of Revenue Leakages and Operational Deficiencies in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) (Hon. Chukwudi Jones Onyereri)
The House resolved to:
(i) Mandate the Committee on Maritime Safety, Administration and Education to investigate the claim of non-remittance and under-remittance of 3% levy, 2% surcharge and other revenues due and collectible by NIMASA which is in excess of $10 billion over an 8 year period;
(ii) obtain inputs from maritime stakeholders on the matter for the purpose of recovery and improvement of operational efficiency, cleaner ocean and safer shipping as stipulated in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) charter and the NIMASA Act, and;
(iii) consider and track various implementations and compliance by both NIMASA and various stakeholders with the NIMASA Act of 2007 and the Cabotage Act of 2003, and other related matters, and report back to the house within six (6) weeks for further legislative action.
VIII. Need to Strengthen the Educational System in the Federal Capital Territory to Accommodate the Financially Less Privileged Citizens Living in the FCT (Hon. Sunday Adepoju)
The House resolved to:
(i) call on the Federal Government to strengthen the educational system in the FCT and the nation at large, for the betterment of all;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Federal Capital Territory, FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters and Basic Education and Services to investigate the matter and report back to the House in three weeks.
6. Call for Mandatory Use of Life-Jackets and other Safety Gadgets in Maritime Travels on Nigeria’s Waterways and Rivers (Hon. Julius G. Pondi)
The House resolved to:
(i) call on the Federal Government to evolve a national policy on the use of life-jackets and other safety gadgets in maritime transportation in the country;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration to conduct an investigative hearing on the frequency of maritime accidents in the country’s waterways, and make recommendations on how to stem the tide with a view to improving on safety;
(iii) urge the Nigerian Navy, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the States Emergency Management Agencies to improve on their responses and rescue activities on the waterways during emergencies;
(iv) mandate the Committee on Justice to examine all extant laws guarding the maritime sector with a view to updating the legislations in order to improve on maritime security and safety.
IX. Reconsideration of Outstanding Bills from the Preceding Assembly; Order XU, Rule 94:
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Efurrum Hill, 2016 (HB. 381) (Hon. Evelyn Oboro)
The House ResolveD to:
Commit the Bill to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
X. Call on the Federal Government to Constitute the National Council on Public Procurement (Hon. Ochiglegor Idagbo)
The House resolved to:
Urge the Federal Government to constitute the National Council on Public Procurement without further delay.
XI. Need to Intensify efforts to Check Illegal Possession of Firearms Across the Country (Hon. Odebunmi Oluesegun Dokun)
The House resolved to:
Mandate the Committees on National Security and Intelligence and Police Affairs to liaise with the relevant Security Agencies and other Stakeholders to device a means of curbing illegal possession of firearms in the country, and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
XII. Urgent Need to Investigate the Lukewarm Attitude of States Defaulting on UBEC Funds (Hon. Aishatu Jibril Dukku)
The House resolved to:
(i) Call on the Federal Government to remit the statutory allocations for the months of January to April, 2015 to the UBEC Fund without further delay;
(ii) Urge the defaulting State Governments and the FCT to, in the national interest, contribute their counterpart funds to enable them access the UBEC fund to bring education in the States to the reach of every child.
XIII. Urgent need to investigate Acts of procedural breach by the GMD of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) (Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe)
The House resolved to:
(i) Condemn the executive “legislation” by the Hon. Minister of Petroleum Resources/Group Managing Director, NNPC, Dr Ibe Kachukwu to the effect that he will unbundle NNPC into 30 different entities this week without legislative approval;
(ii) Urge Mr President to send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly, as soon as possible, if he intends to unbundle NNPC or carryout fundamental restructuring or reforms in the Oil and Gas sector; and
(iii) Mandate the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Petroleum Resources (Down Stream), Gas Resources, Local Content, and Legislative Compliance, to ensure that the Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources/Group Managing Director is prevented from usurping the functions of the National Assembly and desecrating the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by not allowing him legislate for the National Assembly in the unbundling of the NNPC.
XIV. The Unlawful invasion of the Ekiti State House of Assembly by men of the Directorate of State Security Services in violation of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act (Hon. Leo Okuweh Ogor)
The House resolved to:
Summon the Director General of the State Security Service to appear before the Committee of the House to explain the circumstances behind the unlawful invasion of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
XV. Call for improvement of the living conditions of babies born and living with their mothers in prisons throughout the Federation (Hon.Omosode Igbinedion
The House resolved to:
(i) Call on the Prison Authorities and the Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure that provisions are made for the feeding and welfare of babies born and living in prisons with their incarcerated mothers throughout the federation;
(ii) Also call on the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria to help ensure the speedy trial of pregnant women and nursing mothers who are in jail awaiting trail; and
(iii) Mandate the Committees on Interior, and Women Affairs and Social Development to monitor compliance and report back to the House for further legislative action.
XVI. Urgent need for Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to compel Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to install prepaid metering system to all electricity consumers (Hon. Abubakar Yunusa)
The House resolved to:
(i) Urge the NERC to compel and direct the DISCOs to install these meters immediately free of charge; and
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Power to ensure compliance and report back to the House within 4 weeks
#RepsThisWeek
Thank you, let’s do this again after next sitting.
Babajimi Benson, MHR
JB… Cares #JustBelieve
