News Post

After leading the opening prayer, the Speaker went on to examine and approve Plenary Votes and Proceedings for Wednesday, April 17, 2019.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. National Institute for Legislative Studies Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (HB.1619) (Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok) – First Reading.

2. Nigerian Council for Psychologists (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB.1620) (Senate) – First Reading.

______________________________________________________________________________

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

1.​ Committee on Public Petitions:

​Petition by Rijawa Resources Nigeria Limited:

​​Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

​“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Rijawa Resources Nigeria Limited against the Hon. Minister of Federal Capital Territory on Alleged Revocation of their Plot of Land at Kurudu” (Referred:26/10/2016).

Item stepped down by leave of the House

2.​ Ad-hoc Committee on Need for Financial Assistance or Bailout for Automobile Industry in Nigeria (HR. 141/2016):

​Hon. Kazzim Mukaila:

​“That the House do receive the Report Ad-hoc Committee on Need for Financial Assistance or Bailout for Automobile Industry in Nigeria (HR. 141/2016) (Referred: 20/10/2016).

Item stepped down by leave of the House

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria to determine what Standards of Knowledge and Skills to be attained by Persons seeking to become Registered Members of the Mediation and Conciliation Profession; and for Related Matters (HB.1605 (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Idris Ahmed Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Bode Ayorinde. Hon. Ahmed in leading the debate stated that the Bill emanated from the Senate and that it seeks to address the furtherance of knowledge in conflict resolution through mediation as the current circumstances demand. Hon. Nicholas Ossai in supporting the Bill stated that the Bill goes to the root of peaceful resolution of matters even without taking them to court. He stated that it speaks to African modes of doing things. Hon. Nkem Abonta stated that the Bill seeks to reduce the load on the Courts, especially to deal with matters that can be resolved outside the Judicial system, but have a similar binding effect. Hon. Istifanus Gyang stated that the mediation is already accepted in the Nigerian jurisprudence and judiciary and would be expanding its scope of application. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha expressed joy that the Bill seeks to ensure that practitioners of the discipline would have well laid down requirements for qualification and practice. Hon. Betty Apiafi spoke against the Bill on the ground that she is not aware of the Law giving the needed Legal framework ensuring the mediators are Chartered. Hon. Bode Ayorinde drew the attention of Members that the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators already exists and if needed, this Bill seeks to make Mediation Chartered too. Hon. Simon Arabo stated that he doesn't see a difference between the proposed Bill and the Arbitration Act. He also stated that Members should have been given background information on the debate of the Senate. Hon. Abubakar Nuhu also expressed concern about the lack of provision of the details of the Bill, he stated that since mediation is sourced from arbitration, why then create a separate Chartered Institute? He advocated instead to strengthening the Arbitration Act. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and Referred to the Committee of the Whole.

2. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State; and for Related Matters (HB.1613) (Senate) (Leader) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Idris Ahmed Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Bode Ayorinde. Hon. Ahmed in leading the debate stated that the Bill also emanated from the Senate and that the Bill seeks to increase and enhance the availability of quality learning Institutes. It seeks to improve the standard of the learning environment and bridging any visible gap and ensuring qualified individuals in the region get the opportunity to benefit from such an Institution, as it will contribute to socioeconomic growth and job creation. Hon. Pally Iriase stated that the Aba region is noted for industry and ingenuity and a polytechnic would really benefit and improve in their technological know how and make the grades of their goods produced, International. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha pleaded with Members to let the Bill pass as Aba is in dire need for such an affordable Institute of education and ensure Federal presence is felt in the region. Hon. Betty Apiafi while sharing the sentiments of Members; however reminded them that there are enough half-baked educational Institutions nationwide and wondered why instead of strengthening the existing ones; everyone seems instead to want to establish a new one. She stated that graduates of most of of these Institutions fall short of the standards required for responsible graduates and the Federal Government has always complained of paucity of funds to fund the existing institutions. Hon. Oluwole Oke stated that Abia State is a special case as it is one of the only one with no Federal Polytechnic and should be supported. Hon. Nkem Abonta in supporting the Bill stated that the Ministry of Niger Delta had earlier erected a structure that could be utilized. He expressed the desire that the structure should be upgraded and converted to the proposed Polytechnic. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara expressed surprise how the ancient city of Aba doesn't have a Federal Polytechnic, and expressed the hope that the Polytechnic would become a reality. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and Referred to the Committee of the Whole.

3. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Act, 2011; and for Related Matters (HBs. 1388 and 1389) (Hon. Emmanuel Kehinde Agboola and Hon. Ayodele Oladimeji) – Second Reading.

Debate

Hon. Kehinde Agboola Moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was Seconded by Hon. Ayodele Oladimeji. Hon. Agboola in leading the debate sought the support of Members in ensuring the Amendment Bill scales the Second Reading, so that the Institution can be improved in manpower and resources. Hon. Oladimeji Ayodele in supporting the Bill stated that the it principally seeks to change the name of the University and improve its functions, capacity and capabilities, which will also improve the discharge of its functions and duties. He also said the Proposed change of name to the Adeyinka Adebayo Federal University is due to the immense contribution of the late Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo to the region, this he said would immortalize his good memory. The Bill was Voted on, Passed for Second Reading and Referred to the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.

________________________________________________________________________________________

MOTIONS

4. Need for Intervention in the Crisis in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State:

Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi​​ and Hon. Udende Memga Emmanuel

The House

Notes that in the recent time, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State has become unstable because of communal clashes between the Tiv and the Jukuns;

Aware that the clashes started simply from a disagreement between two persons from the two ethnic groups;

Also aware that several settlements in the following wards have been affected: ​

(i) Kente ward; ​

(ii) Tsokundi Ward;

(iii) Bantaje ward;

(iiii) Jibu ward;

(v) Hospital ward; ​

(vi) Avyi ward;

(vii) Rafin kada ward;

(viii) Puje ward; and

(ix) Chonku ward. ​

​

Also aware that in addition to the destruction of houses and infrastructure including schools, health facilities and even places of worships, several people have been killed in the internecine feud between the two Tribal Groups;

Informed that as at the last count, not less than 10,000 people have fled their homes and their food stuff completely destroyed thus rendering them as Internally Displaced Persons;

Also informed that in some places the security agencies were overwhelmed, as such they could not contain the killings and destruction of property;

Cognizant of the fact that the affected persons are poor people who live in thatched roof homes and are now at the mercy of nature as the rainfall has set in;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the security agencies in particular, the Army to increase its presence in the affected communities until peace is restored;

(ii) also urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Presidential Committee on North East to, as a matter of urgency, provide relief materials including, food, healthcare services and roofing materials to the victims;

(iii) further urge the Benue and Taraba State Governments to intensify peace efforts in the area.

Debate

Hon. Danjuma Usman Moved the Motion and it was Seconded by Hon. Mohammed Sani. In leading the debate, Hon. Danjuma stated that the Tiv and Jukun had a misunderstanding which was not managed well and the spiral effect of the misunderstanding has led to the on-going crisis which has not abated. He prayed the House to intervene and ensure the problem is brought under control. He stated that both Benue and Taraba States had a recent meeting to try and solve the situation, which didn't yield the desired effect. Hon. Mohammed Sani expressed why clashes have become so rampant. He expressed equal sadness that it seems the security personnel have become overwhelmed. Nigerian peace he stated can be likened to a worn out garment where when one side is being mended, another side is at the same time giving way. He wondered why the Tivs and Jukuns continue to quarrel when they have fundamental relationships that go way back? He called for the House to look at the underlying forces causing the frictions. Hon. Simon Arabo stated that Tiv and Jukun have continued to be at each other's necks. He called for the apprehension of the perpetrators of the heinous crimes being carried out in the guise of communal misunderstanding. Hon. Istifanus Gyang expressed grave concern over the continued hostilities between these 2 closely knit communities with a long and productive history. He called on key stakeholders from both communities to step up and ensure violence ceases to be an option to settling differences. The Motion was Voted on and Passed as Amended to ensure the underlying causes of the clashes be investigated and the perpetrators be apprehended.

Consideration of Reports deferred till a further Legislative date.

________________________________________________________________________________

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

5. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:

Hon. Aminu Suleiman:

Report on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Technology, Ogoja; and for Related Matters (HB. 1293) (Laid: 17/1/2019).

6.​ Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:

Hon. Aminu Suleiman:

Report on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Ahmadu Bello University (Transitional Provisions) Act, Cap. A14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Specify the Minimum Qualification of the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ownership of Intellectual Property and to Provide for Pre-Action Notice to the University Authority; and for Related Matters (HB. 1112) (Laid: 11/4/2019).

7.​ Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:

Hon. Aminu Suleiman:

Report on a Bill for an Act to Amend the University of Lagos Act, Cap. U9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to specify the Minimum Qualification for the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ownership of Intellectual Property and to Provide for Pre-action Notice to the University Authority; and for Related Matters (HB. 1106) (Laid: 11/4/2019).

8.​ Committee on Federal Capital Territory:

Report on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology, Abaji; and for Related Matters (HB. 145) (Adjourned Consideration: 10/4//2019).

9.​ Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions:

Hon. Linus Okorie:

Report on a Bill for an Act to Establish Universities Veterinary Teaching Hospitals (Constitution of Boards, etc.); and for Related Matters (HB. 568) (Laid: 27/7/2018).

10.​ Ad-hoc Committee on Establishment of National Assembly Legislative Museum and Archives:

Hon. Sam Onuigbo:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on Establishment of National Assembly Legislative Museum and Archives and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 16/4/2019).

(i) That a Directorate on National Assembly Legislative Museum and Archive should be created by amending the National Assembly Service Act;

(ii) that a ground breaking ceremony be held at the proposed site on May 18, 2019, as part of the celebration of the World Museums Day;

(iii) that a temporary exhibition should be put in place before the ground breaking ceremony on May 18, 2019;

(iiii) that the space in the National Assembly Lobby close to Senate Hearing Room 1 should form part of the exhibition space;

(v) that intensive public enlightenment should commence to create awareness for the Museum and the ground breaking ceremony;

(vi) that the consultant, Messrs RAA HERITAGE GLOBAL RESOURCES LTD (RAA HGR) be re-engaged with specific terms of operation to see to the conclusion of the Project;

(vii) that the Lagos Parliamentary building at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos should be renovated and furnished to serve as an annex to the National Assembly Legislative Museum;

(viii) that the proposed budget for the takeoff of the Legislative museum in the sum of N213,450,000 (Two Hundred and Thirteen Million and Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) only be approved and be released immediately.

11.​Committee on Public Petitions:

Petition by Eshett Sarah Lambert:

Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Eshett Sarah Lambert against the Federal Road Safety Commission on the wrongful termination of her appointment and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 17/7/2018).

Urge the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission to reinstate Eshett Sarah Lambert to the Service of the Federal Road Safety Commission and place her at par with her colleagues in office without payment of arrears of salaries.

12.​ Committee on Public Petitions:

​Petition by Sule Sale Ibrahim Kazaure:

Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Sule Sale Ibrahim Kazaure against the Corporate Affairs Commission on unlawful and unjust termination of his appointment and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 6/3/2018).

(i) Urge the Corporate Affairs Commission to reinstate Sule Sale Ibrahim Kazaure to work;

(ii) also urge the Commission to pay all his salaries and entitlements from the date he was dismissed from Service.

13.​Committee on Public Petitions:

Petition by Salehu Sabo O.:

Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

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).

​

​That Salehu Sabo O. be re- instated by the Nigeria Customs Service and be paid all his entitlements and other benefits without further delay.

14.​ Committee on Public Petitions:

Petition by Ibrahim Mohammed Rabiu:

Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

Report on the Petition by Ibrahim Mohammed Rabiu against the Nigeria Airforce on his wrongful dismissal from service and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 17/4/2019).

(i) Urge the Minister of Defence to direct the Chief of Air Staff to follow due process and convert Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Rabiu’s dismissal to compulsory retirement to enable him apply for job elsewhere;

(ii) that the Management of the Nigerian Air Force pays him all his entitlements and retirement benefits to enable him start a new life.

15.​ Committee on Public Petitions:

Petition by Michael Afilaka, Gabriel Okon, Angie Taylor and Others:

Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Michael Afilaka, Gabriel Okon, Angie Taylor and Others against the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports on the Non-payment of the Nigeria High Performance salary and agreed Entitlements and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 17/4/2019).

Urge the Director General, National Sports Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, to ensure the prompt payment of ten (10) months arrears of salaries, rents and other entitlements accrued to Mr. Michael Afilaka, Gabriel Okon, Angie Taylor and others according to the contract terms between both parties within the shortest time.

16.​ Committee on Public Petitions:

Petition by Paul Ezirim Ebonba and Family:

Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

Report on the Petition by Paul Ezirim Ebonba and Family against Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited alleging injustice and a call for intervention and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 17/4/2019).

​

(i) That the House should intervene and urge the Shell Petroleum Development Company to come to the negotiating table with the family and agree to pay N2 Million per hectare against the token of N200, 000.00 since end of the Civil War;

(ii) that the Company should obey the Judgement of the Rivers State High Court in favour of the family as the legal Landlord of Obigbo North Oil Field occupied by Shell; and

(iii) that the Company should always engage the family in its surveillance and other minor contracts, employment and provisions of social amenities or any form of Local Content.

17.​ Committee on Public Petitions:

Petition by Ex-W/PC Comfort Yohanna:

Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the Petition by Ex-W/PC Comfort Yohanna against the Nigeria Police Force on appeal for re-instatement into the service and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 17/4/2019).

Urge the Nigeria Police Force to reinstate Ex-W/PC Comfort Yohanna and 3 others who were discharged and acquitted but without payment of any salary arrears as soon as possible

18.​ Committee on Public Petitions:

Petition by Emmanuel Iheke and Associates:

Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta:

Report on the Petition by Emmanuel Iheke and Associates against the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on illegal, unlawful and unwarranted destruction of means of livelihood of Mr. Christian Fidelis Udoh and approve the recommendation therein” (Laid: 17/4/2019).

Urge the Nigeria Customs Service to replace Christian Fidelis Udoh’s damaged truck.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Adjournment

The House Adjourned Plenary till Wednesday, April 24, 2019 by 11:00 A.M

Courtesy:

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