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Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Wednesday, March 13, 2019.

Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Wednesday, March 13, 2019.



Hon. Sunday Karimi Moved the Motion on the issues of inconclusive elections as it seems to disenfranchise legitimate ambitions of politicians. In leading the debate, Hon. Karimi noted that since 2015, Kogi his home State has continued to suffer the fate of inconclusive elections and it has always been used as a tool to subvert the wishes of the people. He queried that it had not been the case prior to 2015. This he said has become hazardous, a source of anxiety and security threat to the people of Kogi. He stated that had the reasons being given for the cancellation of some gubernatorial elections as being due to some cancelled votes had been applied fully, then the Presidential election and some other National Assembly elections in some States should have also been rendered inconclusive. He stated that it smirks of double standards on the part of INEC. 

Hon. Aliyu Sani stated that where PDP lost it was declared and they took it in good faith despite evidence to the contrary, it is then sad then when the APC seems to be losing, then the elections are then declared inconclusive. It shows that if an individual knows he is about to lose an election, all he has to do is to use thugs to unleash violence on an area and the elections will then be declared inconclusive. He stated that the integrity of Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari is being questioned.

 Hon. Ahmed Musa stated that it seems sad that INEC doesn't know where it's powers begins and ends as it doesn't have the power to cancel elections arbitrarily when the elections in poling units are concluded before the violence occurred, as long as there is the primary source of information, even if the ballot boxes were destroyed, the electoral officers records are intact, they can be used. 

Hon. Henry Achibong blamed the prevailing cancellations on the weakness and insincerity of controllers of the electoral system. He also stated that the Electoral Act needs to be Amended through the tool of Constitution Amendment to ensure that INEC becomes truly independent. 

Hon. Chika Adamu expressed concern that those who caused the cancellation of elections due to acts of violence are not being prosecuted. Hon. Diri Douye laid some of the blame of the problem on the 8th Assembly due to the fact that when national issues should be tackled head on, they have allowed Party sentiments to take preeminence. Hon. Solomon Maren stated that the returning officers of INEC during the elections did a lot of harm to the process. 

Hon. Yakubu Barde expressed worry and sadness at the flagrant disregard, abuse and misinterpretation of the provisions of the Electoral Act during elections, making rubbish of the efforts of the National Assembly in trying to produce a sound Electoral Act. Hon. Mark Gbillah stated that the actions of INEC in empowering itself with Judicial and Legislative powers that it doesn't have are capable of eroding Nigeria's democracy and sanctity. He regretted the huge amount appropriated to INEC to ensure proper elections, instead it conducted a sham and what could be termed 'treason'. 

Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf expressed sadness at the flagrant disregard for human conscience expressed in the just concluded elections. In comparing Nigeria's elections with that of Senegal that was conducted at the same time, he stressed that it didn't look like INEC really had 4 years to plan the elections. He appealed to the conscience of Members to always stand on the path of truth, no matter the interests. Hon. Sergius Ogun stated that all the improvements on the Electoral Act doesn't seem to be filtering down to the actual processes and he also frowned at the over militarization of the elective process. 

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila stressed that everyone are casualties of the inconclusive elections even though the approach to the debate may differ. He frowned at the flagrant misinterpretation of the Laws painstakingly made by the National Assembly. He asked for the further Amendment of the Electoral Laws to ensure INEC is kept on the right path. He stressed that until every vote counts, Nigerian elections cannot be perfect. Hon. Ahmed Idris suggested that the provisions of the Electoral Act that permits for election cancellation should be duly adhered to before any cancellation should be permitted. 

Hon. Mohammed Monguno stated that the business of Lawmaking was a continuos one and more Amendments to the Electoral Act is inevitable. Hon. Edward Pwajok stated that the Amendment needed to the Electoral Act is one that is urgent and shouldn't be trifled with or delayed to the 9th Assembly. Hon. Oker Jev stated that if left to itself, INEC is capable of rubbishing Nigeria's electoral processes, so it behoves on the National Assembly to ensure the relevant Laws are not abused by whoever seeks to do so. Hon. Bashir Baballe expressed joy that for the first time the entire House is united under the need to get free and fair elections. He urged the current Members to ensure when they leave, they leave a better Electoral Act for Nigerians. 

Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas noted that where necessary, and only where necessary, INEC has the right to cancel elections. He also stressed that most times, these unfavorable conditions that lead to cancellations are caused by politicians. He also reiterated the need for free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria that will represent the real wishes of the people. Hon. Albert Adeogun stated that in the recent Gubernatorial elections, INEC has flagrantly abused its powers in cancelling elections. 

Hon. Ibrahim Ishiaka asked Members to focus more on Amending their do-or-die attitudes towards elections rather than passing blames to all other Agencies. He stressed that if this is done and Members conduct themselves with decorum, it would leave no room for manipulations. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria Bill, 2019 (HB.1605) (Senate) – First Reading.

2. Federal Polytechnic, Kado, Kano State (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2018 (HB.1606) (Senate) – First Reading.

3. Federal Polytechnic, Langtang, Plateau State (Establishment, Etc.)Bill, 2019 (HB.1607) (Senate) – First Reading.

4. Federal College of Education, Usugbenu, Irrua, Edo State (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2019 (HB.1608) (Senate) – First Reading.

5. Federal Polytechnic, Ikom, Cross River State (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2019 (HB.1609) (Senate) – First Reading.

6. National Institute of Construction Technology and Management (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB.1610) (Senate) – First Reading.

7. Federal University of Education, Aguleri, Anambra State (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2019 (HB.1617) (Senate) – First Reading.

8. FCT University of Science and Technology, Abaji (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2019 (HB.1612) (Senate) – First Reading.

9. Federal Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State, Bill, 2019 (HB.1613) (Senate) – First Reading.

10. Federal Polytechnic, Silame, Sokoto State, Bill, 2019 (HB.1614) (Senate) – First Reading.

11. Federal College of Education, Gumel, Bill, 2019 (HB.1615) (Senate) – First Reading.

12. Federal College of Education, Sabon Birni, Sokoto State, Bill, 2019 (HB.1616) (Senate) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORT

Committee on National Planning and Economic Development:

Hon. Bashir Baballe:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on National Planning and Economic Development on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Council for Management Development Act, Cap. N99, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Council for Management Development Bill; and for Related Matters (HB. 461) (Referred: 12/7/2016).

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ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1.​ A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act, Cap. N118, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Bill to Facilitate the Effective Implementation of the Commission’s Law Reform Proposals and Enhance its Performance; and for Related Matters (HB. 1577) (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.

Item stepped down by leave of the House

2.​ A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Nigeria Arabic Language Village as an Inter-University Centre for Arabic Language Studies; and for Related Matters (HB. 1489) (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.

Item stepped down by leave of the House for further consultations

3.​ A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Nigeria French Language Village as an Inter-University Centre for French Language Studies; and for Related Matters (HB. 1490) (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.

Item stepped down by leave of the House for further consultations

4.​ A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and for Related Matters (HB. 1452) (Hon. Oluwole Oke) – Second Reading.

Item stepped down by leave of the House for further consultations

5.​ A Bill for an Act to Amend the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act to establish Special Trafficking Court and a Mandatory Annual Codified Training on the Subjects of Human Trafficking, Modern Day Slavery and Protection of Victims, Expand the Composition of the Governing Board of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) by including Members from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), increase Penalties and Criminalize certain Offences, including the Patronage of Commercial Sex; and for Related Matters (HB. 1559) (Hon. Samuel Ikon and 2 Others) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Ikon Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Ishiaka Ibrahim. Hon. Ikon in leading the debate pointed to lack of job opportunities and poverty as reasons why this ill trade has gained notoriety. He however stated that no matter the root cause; a crime is a crime. He called for the enforcement of strict penalties to sex traffic offenders to rid the society of not just the menace of the acts, but also of the resultant and negative effects it has on members of the society. He called on Honourable Members to, in the interest of the Nigerian society, approve the recommended Amendments. Hon. Ibrahim Sadiq noted that the Bill was one very dear to the House Committee on Human Rights and the Committee has sought to increase the penalties and fines to defaulters, as well as recommend the full confiscation of all proceeds acquired form the illicit trade. Hon. Edward Pwajok while praising the spirit of the Bill, expressed concern about some of the provisions of the Bill which seem to go against certain fundamental provisions of the Constitution which may be exploited by smart people to escape much desired prosecution. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and Referred to the House Committee on Human Rights.

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MOTION

6. ​Recommittal of the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018, the National Broadcasting Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018, the Federal Polytechnics Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 and the Institute of Chartered Biochemists and Molecular Biologists of Nigeria Bill, 2018:

Hon. Edward Pwajok:

The House:

Notes that the above Bills were severally passed by the National Assembly and transmitted to the President for assent;

Recalls that the Bills were returned with some observations on some clauses of the Bills which need to be addressed;

Resolves to:

Rescind its decisions on the affected clauses of the Bills as passed and re-commit them to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration and passage.

Debate

Hon. Pwajok Moved the Motion and it was Seconded by Hon. Muhammed Jega. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.

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ALL REPORTS TO BE CONSIDERED WERE DEFERRED DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF THE SPONSORS

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

7.​ Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:

​Hon. Aminu Suleiman:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education (Special), Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management; to Establish College of Education (Technical), Onna, Akwa Ibom State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instructions and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Science, Humanities and Management; and to Provide for the Establishment of Federal College of Education, Lissam, Taraba State for the Purposes of Providing Qualitative Education in Science, Arts, Social Science and other Technical Knowledge; and for Related Matters (HBs.1441, 1304 and 1042) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 17/1/2019).

8.​ Report on the Petition by Iwere Mashark and Others against the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on the disengaged NNPC Staff, Warri Zone, (Committee of the Whole: 23/1/2019).

9.​ Committee on Public Petitions:

Petition by D. D. Okoroma and Sons:

Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by D. D. Okoroma and Sons against Total E & P Nigeria Limited over non-compliance with compensating Odiemenyi Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State for Oil spill which occurred on 15 June, 2006 from its pipeline, and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 27/7/2017):

​

Urge the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Total E&P Nigeria Ltd and D. D. Okoroma and Sons to meet and agree on the compensation to be paid to the petitioner's Community and report back within one month.

10.​ Committee on Public Petitions:

Petition by Pat Ozule:

Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Pat Ozule on behalf of Integrated Remediation Limited (IRL) against the Management of the Nigerian AGIP Oil Company (NAOC) on the alleged breach of contract, deliberate refusal to pay for service rendered, seizure and other acts of impunity perpetrated by the Management of the Company, and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 15/5/2018).

(i) pay Integrated Remediation Limited (IRL) the sum of Two Million Dollars ($2, 000, 000) subject to the payment terms of the contracts on the subject matter;

(ii) transport the Equipment of Integrated Remediation Limited (IRL) at Nigerian AGIP Oil Company, Brass Terminal to Nigerian AGIP Oil Company, Port Harcourt Base Office from where Integrated Remediation Limited will take over the Equipment and properly evacuate same from NAOC Premises.

11.​ Committee on Public Petitions

Hon. Uzoma Nkem–Abonta:

Petition by Comrade Kehinde Squad and Co.:

​“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Comrade Kehinde Squad and Co. against the West African Portland Cement PLC, Lafarge, Ewekoro on the lack of commitment to safety work practices as in global practices by an employer which resulted in the death of three company workers and also non-commitment to manpower development, and approve the recommendations therein”;

(i) urge the Managing Director of West African Portland Cement Plc to determine the extent of damage done to the deceased families and the Host Community and pay them equivalent compensation accordingly;

(ii) also urge the Company to engage the Youth of the Community in the work of the Company.

12.​ Committee on Public Petitions

Hon. Uzoma Nkem –Abonta:

Petition by Tricenuel Barristers and Solicitors on behalf of Mr. Nwora O. Afamefuna:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Tricenuel Barristers and Solicitors on behalf of Mr. Nwora O. Afamefuna against the Nigeria Customs Service on the fraudulent disposal of his Consignment, a Toyota 4 Runner with Chassis No. 204545 and Bill of Lading No. 5306748982, and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 17/7/2018).

Urge the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service to do the needful by refunding all the money and expenses incurred by Mr. Nwora O. Afamefuna in the purchase of the Toyota 4 Runner Jeep or in the alternative, provide the model of the same vehicle for Mr. Afamefuna within the shortest possible time.

13.​ Committee on Public Petitions:

Petition by Salehu Sabo O.:

​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Salehu Sabo O. against the Nigeria Customs Service on his wrongful dismissal from service in 2005, and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 19/7/2018).

Urge the Nigeria Customs Service Board to convert the dismissal of Salehu Sabo O. to retirement and pay all his entitlements.

14.​ Committee on Public Petitions:

Petition by Sule Ugo Ugwunnadi and Associates, Legal Practitioners:

​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Sule Ugo Ugwunnadi and Associates, Legal Practitioners on behalf of Jukatex Nigeria (Ltd) against the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria on the alleged unethical charges and unprofessional banking practices by Access Bank Plc and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid:15/5/2018).

(i) adopt the agreement between Access Bank Plc and Jukatex Nigeria Limited to the effect that the sum of N45, 000, 000 be paid to the Management of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) by both parties to be the final settlement of the indebtedness of Jukatex Nigeria Limited to both Access Bank Plc and AMCON;

(ii) urge the Managements of Access Bank Plc and AMCON to return the property of Jukatex Nigeria Limited in their possession.

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Adjournment

The House Adjourned Plenary till Tuesday, March 19, 2019 by 11:00 A.M

Courtesy:

Media Unit, Office of the Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives.
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