The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presided.
After leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Wednesday, January 18th, 2023.
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
1. Committee on Basic Education and Services:
Rep. Julius Ihonvbere:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Basic Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. T3, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to ensure that only Licensed or Registered and Qualified Persons who Exhibit thorough Professional Conduct Teach in Schools and provide for stiffer Penalties and Punishment for Unregistered and Unqualified Teachers; and for Related Matters (HBs.308 and 550) (Referred:30/11/2021).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Sylvester Ogah and seconded by Rep. Unyime Idem.
2. Committees on Basic Education and Services and, Healthcare Services:
Rep. Julius Ihonvbere:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committees on Basic Education and Services and, Healthcare Services on a Bill for an Act to Introduce Preventive Measures and Teachings of Breast and Cervical Cancers into the Curriculum of a Compulsory Subject (Civic Education) for Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1932) (Referred:20/7/2022).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Sylvester Ogah and seconded by Rep. Unyime Idem.
3. Committee on Basic Education and Services:
Rep. Julius Ihonvbere:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Basic Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Introduce Preventive Measures and Teachings of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence into the Curriculum as a Compulsory Subject (Civic Education) for all Secondary Schools in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1937) (Referred:27/7/2022).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Sylvester Ogah and seconded by Rep. Unyime Idem.
4.Committee on Human Rights
Rep. John Dyegh:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Human Rights on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, No. 4 of 2015 to include the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and Social Development in its Governing Board, review the mode of appointing the Director General of the Agency, to strengthen the Act by reviewing the offences and penalty Provisions; and for Related Matters (HB. 2102) – (Referred: 8/12/2022).
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. John Dyegh and seconded by Rep. Mohammed Alkali.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Projects Development Agency (PRODA) Enugu to conduct Scientific, Engineering and Technological Research aimed at facilitating the Domestication and industrialization of Appropriate Technology for Socio-Economic Advancement of Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 2036) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the Third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman.
The Bill was voted on, read the third time and passed.
2. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017; and for Related Matters (HB.2149) (Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila and Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulmunim Mohammed.
Rep. Mohammed Monguno in his lead debate noted that the Bill seeks to amend the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act to ensure Honorable members are referred to as 'Representatives' and not Honorables and Senators will be termed as 'Senators' and not Distinguished. This he stated is to clear the ambiguity that exists now and to be in tandem with what is obtainable internationally.
Rep. Segun Odebunmi praised the spirit of the Bill as it will distinguish Members from State Councillors and others who are also termed Honorables.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris while supporting the Bill warned that the application of the Bill should not make members look down on any other arm of government, as they are all working together for the benefit of Nigerians.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Gum Arabic Research Institute; and for Related Matters (HB.2168) (Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Mohammed Monguno moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Usman Zannah.
Rep. Mohammed Monguno, while leading the debate said that the Bill was sponsored against the backdrop of the fact that gum arabic is a high source of revenue, as can be seen in other countries such as Sudan. This he affirmed is important, especially considering the dire need of the country for revenue from the export of such profitable commodities as gum arabic. Rep. Monguno stated that the Institute will ensure the coordination of the exploitation, development and exportation of gum arabic products.
Rep. Nicholas Ossai in speaking against the Bill said the creation of the institute will bloat the cost of governance. He called for the institutes that deal with crops to handle the harnessing of gum arabic, so as not to create duplication of institutes.
Rep. Toby Okechukwu while praising the spirit of the Bill, wondered why some other related institutes cannot be used to harness the resource of gum arabic due to the economics of scale. He called for a specialized department from an existing similar institute to be dedicated to harnessing gum arabic so that the aim of the Bill is not lost, while still considering the cost of governance.
Rep. Sada Soli stated that the creation of the institute is necessary due to the unique nature of the terrain where the gum arabic is obtained from. He stated that the Institute would best serve to be located in that belt or terrain.
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa praised the spirit of the Bill as it seeks to diversify the national source of foreign exchange for the country. He expressed optimism in the benefits the proposed institute seeks to achieve to benefit the Nigerian people and economy. He urged members to support the Bill as it seeks to boost the Nigerian economy.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
4. A Bill for an Act to Establish Rights for Victims of Crime to Provide for the Rights, Welfare and Compensation of victims of Crime and provide for the strengthening of the Criminal Justice System; and for Related Matters (HB. 1861) (Rep. Henry Archibong) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Henry Archibong moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Umar.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Justice.
5. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Otun Ekiti, Ekiti State to Provide Legal framework for its due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB. 2164) (Rep. Olarewaju Ibrahim Kunle) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Ibrahim Olanrewaju moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Ibrahim Obanikoro.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.
6. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Institute for Diving Technology, Anaku, Ayamelum, Anambra State charged with Responsibility to Provide full-time Courses in Deep Sea (Ocean) diving Studies; and for Related Matters (HB. 2099) (Rep. Vincent Ofumelu) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Vincent Ofumelu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Tajudeen Obasa.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration.
MOTIONS
7. Reconsideration of Outstanding Bill from the Preceding Assembly, Pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 16 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives:
Rep. Ababakar Hassan Fulata:
Federal Institute for Industrial Research Bill, 2019 (HB.55)
The House:
Notes that pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 16 of the Standing Orders of the House, Bill passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence for which no concurrence was made or negatived or passed by the Senate and forwarded to the House for which no concurrence was made or negatived or which were passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the Assembly, the House may resolve that such Bill, upon being re-gazetted or clean copies circulated, be re-considered in the Committee of the Whole without being commenced de-novo;
Also notes that the aforementioned Bill was passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the last Assembly;
Aware that the Bill was re-gazetted as HB. 55 and read the first time;
Resolves to:
Commit the Bill to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
Debate
Rep. Abubakar Fulata moved the motion on reconsideration of outstanding Bills from the preceding Assembly, pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 16 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives and it was seconded by Rep. Ashiru Mani.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
8. Need to Rehabilitate Ikot Akpa Nkuk/Nvak Iba/Usung Atiat/Ikot Akpa Idem/Ikot Udo Mbang Road in Ukanafun, Akwa Ibom State:
Rep. Unyime Idem:
The House:
Notes that the Ikot Akpa Nkuk/Nyak Iba/Usung Atiat/lkot Akpa Idem/lkot Udo Mbang road in Ukanafun, Akwa Ibom State plays a paramount role in the economic development of the Ukanafun communities, its environs and the neighbouring states;
Aware that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing under its emergency intervention programme commenced the rehabilitation of about 2.8 Km Ikot Akpa Nkuk/Nyak Iba/Usung Atiat/lkot Akpa Idem/lkot Udo Mbang road but abandoned halfway in 2022;
Concerned that the abandoned road has caused lots of hardship to inhabitants of the Villages and adjourning communities as the uncompleted road has either become a death trap to the motorist or impassable for the farmers to transport their produce to town;
Worried that as a result of the road being abandoned, farmers in the adjourning communities have suffered wastages by reason of the inability to take their harvested goods to the market within time;
Also worried that the dilapidated condition of the road has not only aggravated the present sufferings of the people but the economic activities have also been put on hold as the movement of commuters, goods and services has led to the loss of earnings and resources;
Concerned that apart from the inaccessibility and neglect of the road, the people have been left to seek alternative means of evacuating farm produce from the hinterland to cities resulting in high cost of farm produce in the market;
Acknowledges that the people of the area had appealed to the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to intervene urgently to ameliorate their sufferings;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to urgently complete the Ikot Akpa Nkuk/Nvak Iba/Usung Atiat/lkot Akpa Idem/lkot Udo Mbang Road in Ukanafun LocalGovernment Area, Akwa Ibom State;
(ii) mandate the Committees on Works, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Unyime Idem moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate Ikot Akpa Nkuk/Nvak Iba/Usung Atiat/Ikot Akpa Idem/Ikot Udo Mbang road in Ukanafun, Akwa Ibom state and it was seconded by Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
9. Need to Investigate the Killing of Godsent Obhafuoso by Police Stray Bullet in Uromi Edo State:
Rep. Sergius Ose Ogun:
The House:
Notes that Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that the security and welfare of the people of Nigeria shall be the primary purpose of government;
Aware that the National Assembly is empowered to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation or any part thereof as enshrined in Section 4(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended);
Disturbed by the rate of deaths of innocent and unsuspecting citizens occurring from stray bullets of Police personnel in different parts of the country;
Informed that on August 13, 2022, Godsent Obhafuoso was killed by a Police stray bullet, one month after he graduated from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State at a social gathering at Uromi, Edo State;
Also informed that attempts to bring the erring Police officer to justice failed due to complacency on the part of the Police personnel at the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Edo State;
Resolves to:
(i) Observe a minute of silence in honour of the deceased, Mr Godsent Obhafuoso;
(ii) urge the Inspector General of Police to investigate the killing of Mr Godsent Obhafuoso by a Police stray bullet on 13 August 2022 at a social event at Uromi;
(iii) mandate the Committee on Police Affairs to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Sergius Ogun moved the motion on the need to investigate the killing of Godsent Obhafuoso by police stray bullet in Uromi Edo state and it was seconded by Rep. Robert Tyough.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase chaired:
10. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Court of Appeal Act, 2013 to, among other things, increase the number of Justices of the Court from ninety to one hundred and ten, provides for the integration of Virtual Court Proceedings; and for Related Matters (HBs. 299 and 2115) – Committee of the Whole:22 /12/2022.
Consideration of report stepped down for further legislative consultation.
11. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Benue State and Provide for Composition, Administration and Functions of the Management Board; and for Related Matters (HB.1889) – Committee of the Whole: 14/12/2022.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-28.
12. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Institute of Industrial Research for Development of Micro, Small, Medium and Large Industries aimed at rapid Industrialization and Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 55) – Committee of the Whole: 19/1/2023.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-40.
13. A Bill for an Act to Provide the Legal Framework to Establish Federal Medical Centre, Ufuma, Anambra State; and for Related Matters (HB.1373) – Committee of the Whole: 18/1/2023.
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House.
14. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Environment, Nanka; and for Related Matters (HB. 1168) – Committee of the Whole: 18/1/2023.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-28.
15. A Bill for an Act to establish Federal Medical Centre, Igboora, Oyo State to provide Legal framework for its due management and administration; and for Related Matters – Committee of the Whole: 18/1/2023.
Consideration of report deferred by leave of the House.
16. A Bill for an Act Establish Federal College of Education, Jengre, Plateau State to provide full-time courses, Teaching Instruction and Training In Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management; and for Related Matters (HB. (HB. 2106) – Committee of the Whole: 18/1/2023.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-28.
17. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Ogun State as a Training Institution for the Development of Medicine and Medical Sciences, make Comprehensive Provision for the Management and Administration of the University; and for Related Matters (HB. 1484) – Committee of the Whole: 18/1/2023.
Synopsis of the report:
The Bill seeks to enhance medical studies for people living in the region.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-51.
18. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State; and for Related Matters (HB.1133) – Committee of the Whole: 2/3/2022.
Synopsis of the report:
The Bill seeks to enhance the Maritime sector of the economy.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-27.
19. Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development:
Rep. Otunba Adewumi O. Onanuga:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development on a Bill for an Act to Amend the National Centre for Women Development Act, Cap. N15, Laws of the Federation, 2004 to Enhance the Functions of the Centre and Rename the Centre after Maryam Babangida, and for Related Matters (HB. 1147) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 22/11/2022).
Synopsis of the report:
The Bill seeks to honour the late Maryam Babangida for her role in women's developmental issues in Nigeria.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-14.
20. Committee on Healthcare Services:
Rep. Tanko Sununu:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Healthcare Services on a Bill for an Act to Establish Institute of Physician Associates of Nigeria charged with responsibility for Determining the Standards of Knowledge and Skills to be Attained by Persons seeking to become Physician Associate Professionals; and for Related Matters (HB.1966) and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 8/12/2022).
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-17.
21. Committee on Healthcare Services:
Rep. Tanko Sununu:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Healthcare Services on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and make Comprehensive Provisions for the Prohibition and Control of Counterfeit Medical Products, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods; and for Related Matters (HB.1666) (Laid: 8/12/2022).
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and approved: 1-24.
Further consideration of the Bill deferred for further legislative consultation.
22. Committee on Health Institutions:
Rep. Pascal Obi:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Mgbakwu; and for Related Matters (HB. 811) and approve the recommendations therein” (Referred:20/5/2021
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House.
23. Committee on Public Petitions:
Report on the petition by Chief Efieseimokumo Bipeledei of Bipeledei & Co. on behalf of the Pinepelemoa Community and 20 others:
Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Public Petitions on the petition by Chief Efieseimokumo Bipeledei of Bipeledei & Co. on behalf of the Pinepelemoa Community and 20 others in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State against the Management of Nigerian Agip Oil Co. Limited over deliberate refusal to pay compensation to Communities ravaged by Oil pollution which accrued on 29 November 2020 at Kemebia–Amam Community” (Laid: 7/12/2022).Mandate the General
(i) Urge the General Manager, Rivers State District of Nigeria AGIP Oil Co. Ltd. to align itself with the Report and further evaluate and pay appropriate compensation to the most affected communities erroneously omitted during the valuation exercise carried out by Nimi Mienye & Co., (Estate Surveyors & Valuers), namely:
(a) Ukparatubu 1;
(b) Ukparatubu 2;
(c) Ugbobeleu–Ama;
(d) Ikokodiagbene;
(e) J. I. Gbene; and
(f) Uyaderifamo–Ama communities of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Rivers State;
(ii) pay a fair and adequate amount as relief money as well as compensation to the communities which did not benefit from the initial relief and money paid by Nigeria Agip Oil Company Ltd.
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House.
HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the Committee of the Whole following a motion by Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Rep. Abubakar Fulata.
Adjournment:
The House at 14:01 adjourned plenary to Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 by 11:00 following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Rep. Vincent Ofumelu.
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.
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