Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Thursday, November 14th, 2019
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presided.
After leading the opening prayer, the Deputy Speaker went on to examine and approve the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, November 13th, 2019
__________
PETITIONS
1. Rep. Bamidele Salam laid a petition from some casual staff of the Command Secondary School Ede in Osun State who have been casual staff for over 17 years without being converted to the permanent cadre even when the opportunities became available. This they stated amounted to inhuman treatment and called for the intervention of the House.
2. Rep. Ndudi Elumelu laid a petition from a constituent in Anochia North and South/ Oshimili North and South of Delta state who was posted to a secondary school and the Principal of the school rejected the posting. He urged the House to intervene on the matter.
3. Rep. Igariwey Enwo laid a petition from a complainant who expressed frustration at the infringement of his fundamental rights.
4. Rep. Samuel Onuigbo laid a petition from Mr Christian Osonu who was with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and dismissed without due cause, he seeks the intervention of the House
5. Rep. Emeka Chinedu laid a petition from a complainant that was laid off from his place of work without due cause, he seeks the intervention of the House.
All petitions were referred to the Committee on Public Petitions
__________
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Nnaji Nnolim John moved a motion on the need to resuscitate the abandoned industries in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Musa Mohammed.
Rep. Nnolim in leading the debate explained that the motion is aimed at encouraging the diversification of the economy through industrialization. This, he stated will improve employment opportunities and wealth creation. The coal mines, he stated can also help as alternative sources of power generation.
Rep. Francis Waive called on the committee that will work on the motion to investigate why the privatized industries are not working as they should so that a solution can be proffered.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
2. Rep. Mohammed Gudaji moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for refusing to obey the resolutions of the House and it was seconded by Rep. Aliyu Magaji.
leading the debate, Rep. Gudaji stated that the House in a resolution in the Committee of the Whole had directed the Commission to reinstate one Mr Kazaure who was laid off without due cause and pay his outstanding entitlements, but the Commission has refused to comply. He called on the office of the Head of Service to call the Commission to order and that the House Committees on Ethics and Privileges, as well as those on Commerce and Labour to ensure this is complied with.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
3. Rep. Ossai Nicholas Ossai moved a motion on the urgent need to install scanning machines in Nigerian ports and it was seconded by Rep. Julius Pondi.
In leading the debate Rep. Ossai stated that the absence of the scanning machines slows down the clearing of goods which leads to undue demurrage and unnecessary congestion of the ports, this he stated is against the tenets of the ease of doing business. Rep. Ossai stated that the motion is aimed at ensuring increased revenue for budget funding. He urged the House Committee on Ports and Harbour to ensure compliance.
Rep. Haruna Mshelia in supporting the motion called on the Customs Service to procure the scanners without delay.
Rep. Rotimi Agunsoye stated that the motion would fast-track the process of checking goods and make it more efficient as some goods are not easily accessible to the human eye.
Rep. Bamidele Salam called for the Nigerian clearing system to be at par with what is obtainable internationally which would enhance efficiency in the sector.
Rep. Sergius Ogun bemoaned the fact that Nigeria as a country still relies on manual efforts to scan at the ports. Rep. Luke Onofiok while commending the spirit of the motion, suggested finding lasting solutions to port congestion by licensing other seaports nationwide to function.
Rep. Gudaji Mohammed informed the House that the Committees on Custom and Finance had earlier met with the Customs and Ministry of Finance and found out that the Executive government is in the process of procuring scanners for all ports and borders.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu stated that porous ports and border routes to disaster as one cannot determine the sort of illegal foods, arms and other vices that are imported into the country.
The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
4. Rep. Ahmed Jaha moved a motion on a fire disaster in Chibok local government of Borno state and it was seconded by Rep. Benjamin Mzondu.
In presenting the motion Rep. Jaha stated that the fire has grounded economic activities in the area as it consumed goods for sale. He called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief for the affected and he also mandated the committee on disaster management to assess the level of damage and report back to the House.
As a disaster-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
5. Rep. Emmanuel Effiong moved a motion on the urgent need to check the landslide in a community in his constituency of Ikono/ Ini of Akwa Ibom State and it was seconded by Rep. Dachung Bagos.
He called on the Committee on Disaster Management to assess the level of damage and report back to the House.
As a disaster-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
__________
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Nigeria Para-Military Academy, Ijebu-Igbo (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB. 429) (Rep. Adekoya A. Abdul-Majid) – First Reading.
2. Federal College of Education (Technical) Ako, Ago-Iwoye (Establishment) 2019 (HB.430) (Rep. Adekoya A. Abdul-Majid) – First Reading.
3. National Commission for Museums and Monuments Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (HB.431) (Rep. Dennis Idahosa) – First Reading.
4. Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (HB.432) (Hon. Simon Mwadkwon) – First Reading.
5. Banks and other Financial Institutions Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2019 (HB.433) (Rep. Simon Mwadkwon) – First Reading.
6. National Assembly Budget and Research Office (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB.434) (Rep. Taiwo Olukemi Oluga) – First Reading.
7. National Transport Commission Bill, 2019 (HB.435) (Hon. Ossai N. Ossai) – First Reading.
8. Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Establishment Bill, 2019 (HB.436) (Rep. Abbas Tajudeen) First Reading.
9. Vigilante Group of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB.437) (Rep. Abbas Tajudeen) – First Reading.
10. Federal College of Education (Technical) Ikirun, Osun State (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB.438) (Rep. Olalekan R. Afolabi) – First Reading.
11. Federal College of Education, Keana, Bill, 2019 (HB.434) (Rep. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba) – First Reading.
__________
PRESENTATION OF REPORT
Committee on Army:
Rep. Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Army on Operation Positive Identification by the Nigerian Army” (HR.137/10/2019) (Referred: 29/10/2019).
The report was laid on the floor of the House
__________
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Polytechnic, Kwale, Delta State to Provide Full-Time Courses in Technology, Applied Science, Management and other fields of Study and to make Provisions for the General Administration of the Polytechnic and for Related Matters. (HB. 1497) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
The Bill was voted on, passed for third reading after which the Clerk of the House read the long title and it was passed.
2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education Iwo, Osun State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management, and to Provide for Appointment of the Provost and Other Officers of the College to carry out the Administration and Disciplining of Students of the College; and for Related Matters (HB. 398) (Rep. Amobi Yinusa Akintola) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Akintola moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Taofeek Ajilesoro.
In leading the debate Rep. Akintola stated that Osun state presently has no Federal College of Education. He called for the establishment of the institution as the University within the State is proving to be inadequate for the teeming students in the region. He also stated that the establishment of the institution will drive knowledge impartation.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
__________
MOTIONS
3. Need to Vire the Sum of N100, 000,000 from the National Assembly Service Commission's Personnel Vote to Capital and Overhead Cost:
Rep. Sani U. Bala:
The House:
Notes that in the Year 2019, the National Assembly Service Commission budgeted the sum of N100, 000, 000 (one hundred million, naira only) for its Personnel Cost for the payment of salaries and allowances of the expected new Members of the Commission;
Also notes that the expected new members have not been appointed and are not likely to resume before January 2020, thereby leaving the sum of N100,000,000 (one hundred million, naira only) as the Commission's Personnel Cost may not be utilized by the end of December 2019;
Further notes that it is mandatory for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to return all their unspent Personnel Cost to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the end of December 2019;
Concerned that the Commission is in dire need of funds, as most of its furniture and sundry office equipment are in poor condition as they were purchased over 10 years ago;
Resolves to:
Vire the Sum of N100, 000, 000 meant for Personnel Cost in the 2019 Budget to Overhead Cost and Capital Cost in 2019 to enable the Commission to utilize the fund appropriately.
Debate
Rep. Bala moved the motion on the need to vire funds from the National Assembly Commission personnel vote to capital and overhead cost and it was seconded by Rep. Alhassan Abdallah.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
4. Rehabilitation of Primary Health Care Centres across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory for effective HealthCare Service Delivery:
Rep. Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro.
The House:
Notes that good health is a relative state in which one is able to function well physically, mentally, socially and spiritually in order to express the full range of one's unique potentials with the environment in which one is living;
Also notes that primary health is the essential health care made available to an individual in a community at a cost that he can afford;
Concerned that most of the primary health care centres across the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja are either uncompleted or in a state of disrepair and in some cases, without equipment to function efficiently and effectively, thus leaving them in deplorable conditions;
Also concerned that the inability to effectively address the numerous public health challenges has contributed to the persistent and high level of poverty and the weakness of the primary health care system;
Aware that political instability, corruption, limited institutional capacity and unstable economy are major factors responsible for the poor development of primary health care in Nigeria;
Worried that when people fall sick of minor ailments like malaria or pains, they often go to the tertiary health care institution for treatment because the primary health care centres are not available and where there is one, they are not equipped with drugs and staff to function effectively;
Cognizant that for there to be an improvement in the health care service delivery, there is need to improve the primary health care system, by the provision of basic equipment to make those centres function effectively;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Health to commence the rehabilitation and equipping of primary health care centres across the 36 States of the federation and the Federal capital territory for effective health care delivery;
(ii) Also, urge the Ministry to employ all cadres of health care providers for primary health care centres to ensure effective and efficient health care delivery;
(iii) Mandate the Committee on Health Care Services to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Ajilesoro moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate primary healthcare centres in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Onanuga Oriyomi.
As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
5. Need to Rehabilitate Federal Road in Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency
Rep. Ossai Nicholas Ossai.
The House:
Notes that on 1 October 1994, the Federal Government by the Federal Highway Starting (Declaration) Order (No.2) declared the road starting from Ashaka - Kwale, continuing thence to Umutu and terminating at Agbor on truck A232 as a Federal Highway number F.224;
Also notes that the federal highway runs through two major Federal Constituencies in Delta State, namely Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency and Ika Federal Constituency and also has a connecting link to the Onitsha-Benin express road and the Warri-Ughelli-Asaba express road that convey Nigerians to the South Eastern and Northern parts of Nigeria;
Further notes that the Ndokwa region is an oil and gas producing area that has vehicular movements that service heavy-duty trucks, indigenous goods of woven baskets, metalwork and sculpture and also the needs of already established and functional institutions within and outside the region, such as the Delta State University, Novena University, Marine Technology, College of Education, School of Nursing and the proposed Federal Polytechnic;
Observes that since the construction of the road about 45 years ago, there has not been any palliative measure either by way of maintenance or reconstruction of the failed sections of the only federal highway in Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency;
Concerned that the failed sections of the road are taking a great toll on the highway which has become hotspots for kidnappers and fertile ground for armed robbers to attack unsuspecting road users;
Also concerned that Ndokwa people, being majorly agrarian and also one of the areas where crude oil and gas is being presently explored in Delta State, needs a good road network for vehicular movement of people, goods and services that will connect the people to other parts of the country, particularly to the Federal Capital Territory;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to urgently embark on the reconstruction of the road;
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Works to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Ossai moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate the roads and it was seconded by Rep. Ali Adeyemi. As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant committees of the House.
6. Increasing Rate of Suicide in Nigeria:
Rep. Chukwuma Umeoji.
The House:
Notes that suicide is the act of taking one's life intentionally as it happens impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life’s stresses such as financial and emotional problems, chronic pain, illness, unemployment, poverty, drug abuse, depression, hopelessness, discrimination practices, bullying, intimidation, suppression etc.;
Also notes that people in zones where there are conflicts, disasters, violence, abuse or loss and sense of isolation are more strongly associated with suicidal behaviours and the rates are higher among vulnerable groups like migrants, refugees, indigenous people, prisoners and people who are sexually discriminated against;
Recalls reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) that suicide accounts for about one million deaths worldwide annually and for every death by suicide, more than twenty people must have attempted suicides;
Also recalls that the Global Health Observatory had put the global age-standardized suicide rate at 14.4 per 100,000 people and that suicide is the second cause of death among those aged between15-29.
Observes that the suicide rate in Nigeria is estimated at 9.8 per 100,000 people which is higher than the regional average and Nigeria is ranked 30 among 185 countries by the World Health Organization (WHO) with incidents of suicide;
Cognizant that 60 countries have vital registration data on suicide while only 38 countries have in place a national suicide prevention strategy and Nigeria is not among the countries listed;
Also cognizant that suicide is one of the conditions in the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) of which Nigeria is a member nation and is committed towards the global target of reducing the suicide rate in countries by 10 percent in 2020;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to adopt a National Suicide Prevention Strategy and also establish Social Welfare Centres and mental health care and psychological assistance in all the local government areas in the country;
(ii) Call on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to embark on sensitization and advocacy programme on suicide prevention;
(iii) Mandate the Committees on Healthcare Services and Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Umeoji moved the motion on the increasing rate of suicide and it was seconded by Rep. Wale Raji.
In leading the debate Rep. Umeoji stated that the motion is based on the love for the lives of Nigerians by legislators. He blamed unemployment, frustration and other socio-economic challenges for being the main reasons behind the rising case of suicide. He decried the increase in the trends which wasn't the norm in Nigeria, he blamed the abandonment of the African norm of looking out for each other in the society and adoption of the European way of isolation in society, this he said makes people suffer in silence and give up all hope and kill themselves.
As a disaster-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant committees of the House.
7. Call on the Federal Ministry of Health to Develop an Efficient System for Management of Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria:
Rep. Umar Abdulkadir Sarki.
The House:
Notes that archaeological and genetic findings have shown that sickle cell disease (SCD) has been with Africans for the last 12 thousand years, yet not much has been done in the continent to manage the scourge of the disease;
Also notes that data from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has shown that Nigeria has the largest population of people with sickle cell disease in the world with about 3.6 million patients and 150,000 babies out of the estimated 300,000 babies born into the world with the disease every year;
Aware that the disease has the potential to spread rapidly as over 40 million Nigerians representing 25% or one-quarter of the population are carriers of sickle cell gene known as A.S;
Also aware that the overwhelming majority of the carriers of sickle cell traits in Nigeria are not aware of their genotype status, let alone taking an informed decision to evade the risk of having children with the disease;
Conscious that the disease, which is caused by inheriting two different defective genes known as haemoglobin S (HbS), has adverse health consequences such as anemia, severe pains in vital organs, tissue injuries, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, renal failure, decrease in patient's lifespan and interference with patient's life, in areas such as education, employment and psychological development;
Also conscious that the current modalities for treatment of the disease including fluid replacement, healthy nutrition, blood transfusion, stem cell transplantation and the application of hydroxyurea to stimulate the development of healthy haemoglobin, among others are characterized by high treatment costs;
Worried that although the United Nations have identified sickle cell disease as a global health challenge and have set aside 19 of June, as World Sickle Cell Day to annually reflect on existing efforts in tackling the scourge of the disease, Nigeria which has the highest cases of the disease globally has not shown serious concern;
Also worried that Nigeria is yet to establish newborn screening which is key to early detection and intervention as commonly practised in the United States and the United Kingdom as well as in developing countries such as Ghana where newborn screening and awareness campaigns have significantly reduced infant mortality rate arising from sickle cell disease;
Resolves to:
Call on the Federal Ministry of Health to:
(i) Introduce free and compulsory newborn screening programme which shall include screening for sickle cell disease in all hospitals in Nigeria;
(ii) Provide free treatment and counselling service to patients with sickle cell disease;
(iii) Sensitize religious institutions and the judiciary to include results of genotype tests as one of the conditions for marriage;
(iiii) Collaborate with government and private broadcasting stations for continuous awareness campaigns on the cause, health consequences and solutions to the disease;
(v) Urge the Federal Ministry of Education to include sickle cell education in science subjects in all primary and secondary schools; and
(vi) Mandate the Committee on Healthcare Services, Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values and Basic Education and Services to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Sarki moved the motion on the need to improve the health system for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia and it was seconded by Rep. Bamisile Richard.
The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
8. Urgent Need to make Artisans more Effective and Productive in Nigeria:
Rep. Alli Adeyemi Taofeek:
The House:
Notes that artisans are different professional tradesmen and women who are manual skilled workers within the society and display great dexterity in their field of endeavour;
Further notes that they are masters of different professions such as automobile mechanics, vulcanizers, welders, interior-decorators, make-up-artists, bead-makers, radionics, photographers, electricians, computer and other technicians;
Again notes that the sector, being an employer of labour, helps in creating jobs opportunities, thereby reducing unemployment and crime rates;
Aware of the desire of an unemployed person to embrace artisanship and a productive venture which will help in reducing social ills and contribute to economic growth and development;
Also aware that the trained and empowered artisans will, as a multiplier effect, absorb more trainees so as to address the challenges posed by the dearth of indigenous skilled artisans, and by implication reduce the influx of artisans and craftsmen from neighbouring countries and loss of revenues;
Cognizant of the need for Government to give financial supports to the Youths who have acquired skills as well as Artisans to expand their businesses;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity in conjunction with the National Bureau of Statistics and the National Directorate of Employment to ascertain the number of artisans of different trades in the country and come up with a comprehensive databank to enable the government assist this very important and critical sector of the economy and also to create a platform for artisans at all levels of government;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity to ensure compliance and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Taofeek moved the motion on the need to ensure artisans become more productive and efficient and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
9. Need to Replace the use of Typewriters with Computers in all Secondary Schools in Nigeria:
Rep. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga:
The House
Notes that some Secondary schools in Nigeria are still using typewriters as part of the school curriculum especially in subjects like Business studies and Accounts while secretaries in some schools still use typewriters to carry out their official functions;
Aware that the use of typewriters is archaic and they can only be seen in museums as artefacts in other countries and as a matter of fact, typewriter accessories are no longer available as technological innovation has overtaken this old age practice;
Aware that introduction of Computer studies in all our secondary schools would automatically replace the use of typewriters because computers have better advantages like bigger storage capacity with the ability to install office function applications like spreadsheets, databases, documents and slide presentations that will enhance the students' studies and put them at par with their contemporaries worldwide;
Also aware that Computer studies will prepare the children for better academic successes responsibility while they are preparing for computer-based examinations;
Further aware that primary and secondary school students in other climes start with computer studies and gradually move into robotics, computer programming and innovative engineering hence the need for them to be accorded the right to such opportunities;
Concerned that any secondary school still using typewriters is in no way helping its students, as it is sending them back to the Stone Age.
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Ministry Federal of Education to make computer studies, both theory and practical, a compulsory subject in West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations in all secondary schools and the eliminate the use of typewriters in all secondary schools, both in internal and external examinations;
(ii) Mandate the Committees on Tertiary Education and Service, Basic Education and Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Onanuga moved the motion on the need to replace typewriters with computers in secondary schools and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
In leading the debate Rep. Onanuga stated with alarm that some schools still use typewriters in their staff rooms and also teach candidates to type with typewriters.
The motion was voted on but it was not adopted
__________
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presiding
10. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Treasury Management for the Promotion, Study and Practice of proper Management of the Treasury as safeguards against Fraud, Embezzlement, Emasculation, Misappropriation or Misapplication of Resources placed in the custody of Fund Managers; and for Related Matters (HB. 57) – (Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno) (Committee of the Whole: 24/7/2019).
Synopsis of the Report:
Rep. Monguno stated that the Bill seeks to invite the Honorable House to do the needful and regulate the practice of treasury management to eradicate corruption and quacks in the financial sector and promote financial responsibility standards.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried: 3-24
Clauses amended and adopted: 1, 2
11. A Bill for an Act to establish the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Agency to Institute the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme and Provide Comprehensive, Quality and Affordable Health Care Service for all Residents of the Federal Capital Territory; and for Related Matters (HB. 60) (Rep. Peter Akptason) (Committee of the Whole:5/11/2019).
Synopsis of the Report:
Rep. Akpatason stated that the Bill was passed in the 8th Assembly but was not ascended to by the President due to some defects. The defects have now been taken care of to ensure the civil society organizations represent the public interest in health insurance agencies in every state and the federal capital territory.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and adopted: 1-52
13. Committee on Army:
Rep. Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Army on the Operation Positive Identification by the Nigerian Army and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 14/11/2019).
(i) That the Army can continue with the Operation Positive Identification but in collaboration with other relevant Security Agencies, such as Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Police Force, who should take the lead in the identification process;
(ii) That a Joint Intelligence and Monitoring Team should be set up by the Agencies involved in order to checkmate possible abuse of the exercise, such as extortion and assault on the people.
(iii) That the Army should regularly brief the Committee on Army for proper assessment of the exercise;
(iv) that the Nigerian Army should disengage from the areas they have successfully completed operations and allow the Police to consolidate on the gains;
(v) That serious and urgent attention should be given to the Police, in the area of training and retraining to equip them to curtail future insurrection or violence that may occur.
Synopsis of the Report:
Rep. Namdas stated that the House Committee on Army interacted with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and investigations revealed that the identification operation was due to intelligence reports that Boko Haram members had infiltrated communities in the Northeast, and were in the phase of moving to other regions of the country. The operation yielded the arrest of a senior Boko Haram member in one of the communities.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu, however, objected to the identification operation of the army as his constituents see it as an abuse to their right of freedom of movement.
Summary of voting:
Recommendations voted on and adopted: 1-6
__________
HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted its report of the Committee of the Whole
____________Adjournment:
The House at 2:39 P.M adjourned plenary to Tuesday, 19th November, 2019 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the deputy leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by the Chief Whip Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives
After leading the opening prayer, the Deputy Speaker went on to examine and approve the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, November 13th, 2019
__________
PETITIONS
1. Rep. Bamidele Salam laid a petition from some casual staff of the Command Secondary School Ede in Osun State who have been casual staff for over 17 years without being converted to the permanent cadre even when the opportunities became available. This they stated amounted to inhuman treatment and called for the intervention of the House.
2. Rep. Ndudi Elumelu laid a petition from a constituent in Anochia North and South/ Oshimili North and South of Delta state who was posted to a secondary school and the Principal of the school rejected the posting. He urged the House to intervene on the matter.
3. Rep. Igariwey Enwo laid a petition from a complainant who expressed frustration at the infringement of his fundamental rights.
4. Rep. Samuel Onuigbo laid a petition from Mr Christian Osonu who was with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and dismissed without due cause, he seeks the intervention of the House
5. Rep. Emeka Chinedu laid a petition from a complainant that was laid off from his place of work without due cause, he seeks the intervention of the House.
All petitions were referred to the Committee on Public Petitions
__________
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
1. Rep. Nnaji Nnolim John moved a motion on the need to resuscitate the abandoned industries in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Musa Mohammed.
Rep. Nnolim in leading the debate explained that the motion is aimed at encouraging the diversification of the economy through industrialization. This, he stated will improve employment opportunities and wealth creation. The coal mines, he stated can also help as alternative sources of power generation.
Rep. Francis Waive called on the committee that will work on the motion to investigate why the privatized industries are not working as they should so that a solution can be proffered.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
2. Rep. Mohammed Gudaji moved a motion on the urgent need to investigate the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for refusing to obey the resolutions of the House and it was seconded by Rep. Aliyu Magaji.
leading the debate, Rep. Gudaji stated that the House in a resolution in the Committee of the Whole had directed the Commission to reinstate one Mr Kazaure who was laid off without due cause and pay his outstanding entitlements, but the Commission has refused to comply. He called on the office of the Head of Service to call the Commission to order and that the House Committees on Ethics and Privileges, as well as those on Commerce and Labour to ensure this is complied with.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
3. Rep. Ossai Nicholas Ossai moved a motion on the urgent need to install scanning machines in Nigerian ports and it was seconded by Rep. Julius Pondi.
In leading the debate Rep. Ossai stated that the absence of the scanning machines slows down the clearing of goods which leads to undue demurrage and unnecessary congestion of the ports, this he stated is against the tenets of the ease of doing business. Rep. Ossai stated that the motion is aimed at ensuring increased revenue for budget funding. He urged the House Committee on Ports and Harbour to ensure compliance.
Rep. Haruna Mshelia in supporting the motion called on the Customs Service to procure the scanners without delay.
Rep. Rotimi Agunsoye stated that the motion would fast-track the process of checking goods and make it more efficient as some goods are not easily accessible to the human eye.
Rep. Bamidele Salam called for the Nigerian clearing system to be at par with what is obtainable internationally which would enhance efficiency in the sector.
Rep. Sergius Ogun bemoaned the fact that Nigeria as a country still relies on manual efforts to scan at the ports. Rep. Luke Onofiok while commending the spirit of the motion, suggested finding lasting solutions to port congestion by licensing other seaports nationwide to function.
Rep. Gudaji Mohammed informed the House that the Committees on Custom and Finance had earlier met with the Customs and Ministry of Finance and found out that the Executive government is in the process of procuring scanners for all ports and borders.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu stated that porous ports and border routes to disaster as one cannot determine the sort of illegal foods, arms and other vices that are imported into the country.
The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
4. Rep. Ahmed Jaha moved a motion on a fire disaster in Chibok local government of Borno state and it was seconded by Rep. Benjamin Mzondu.
In presenting the motion Rep. Jaha stated that the fire has grounded economic activities in the area as it consumed goods for sale. He called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief for the affected and he also mandated the committee on disaster management to assess the level of damage and report back to the House.
As a disaster-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
5. Rep. Emmanuel Effiong moved a motion on the urgent need to check the landslide in a community in his constituency of Ikono/ Ini of Akwa Ibom State and it was seconded by Rep. Dachung Bagos.
He called on the Committee on Disaster Management to assess the level of damage and report back to the House.
As a disaster-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
__________
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Nigeria Para-Military Academy, Ijebu-Igbo (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB. 429) (Rep. Adekoya A. Abdul-Majid) – First Reading.
2. Federal College of Education (Technical) Ako, Ago-Iwoye (Establishment) 2019 (HB.430) (Rep. Adekoya A. Abdul-Majid) – First Reading.
3. National Commission for Museums and Monuments Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (HB.431) (Rep. Dennis Idahosa) – First Reading.
4. Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (HB.432) (Hon. Simon Mwadkwon) – First Reading.
5. Banks and other Financial Institutions Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2019 (HB.433) (Rep. Simon Mwadkwon) – First Reading.
6. National Assembly Budget and Research Office (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB.434) (Rep. Taiwo Olukemi Oluga) – First Reading.
7. National Transport Commission Bill, 2019 (HB.435) (Hon. Ossai N. Ossai) – First Reading.
8. Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Establishment Bill, 2019 (HB.436) (Rep. Abbas Tajudeen) First Reading.
9. Vigilante Group of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB.437) (Rep. Abbas Tajudeen) – First Reading.
10. Federal College of Education (Technical) Ikirun, Osun State (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB.438) (Rep. Olalekan R. Afolabi) – First Reading.
11. Federal College of Education, Keana, Bill, 2019 (HB.434) (Rep. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba) – First Reading.
__________
PRESENTATION OF REPORT
Committee on Army:
Rep. Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas:
“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Army on Operation Positive Identification by the Nigerian Army” (HR.137/10/2019) (Referred: 29/10/2019).
The report was laid on the floor of the House
__________
ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal Polytechnic, Kwale, Delta State to Provide Full-Time Courses in Technology, Applied Science, Management and other fields of Study and to make Provisions for the General Administration of the Polytechnic and for Related Matters. (HB. 1497) – Third Reading.
Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
The Bill was voted on, passed for third reading after which the Clerk of the House read the long title and it was passed.
2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education Iwo, Osun State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management, and to Provide for Appointment of the Provost and Other Officers of the College to carry out the Administration and Disciplining of Students of the College; and for Related Matters (HB. 398) (Rep. Amobi Yinusa Akintola) – Second Reading.
Debate
Rep. Akintola moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Taofeek Ajilesoro.
In leading the debate Rep. Akintola stated that Osun state presently has no Federal College of Education. He called for the establishment of the institution as the University within the State is proving to be inadequate for the teeming students in the region. He also stated that the establishment of the institution will drive knowledge impartation.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
__________
MOTIONS
3. Need to Vire the Sum of N100, 000,000 from the National Assembly Service Commission's Personnel Vote to Capital and Overhead Cost:
Rep. Sani U. Bala:
The House:
Notes that in the Year 2019, the National Assembly Service Commission budgeted the sum of N100, 000, 000 (one hundred million, naira only) for its Personnel Cost for the payment of salaries and allowances of the expected new Members of the Commission;
Also notes that the expected new members have not been appointed and are not likely to resume before January 2020, thereby leaving the sum of N100,000,000 (one hundred million, naira only) as the Commission's Personnel Cost may not be utilized by the end of December 2019;
Further notes that it is mandatory for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to return all their unspent Personnel Cost to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the end of December 2019;
Concerned that the Commission is in dire need of funds, as most of its furniture and sundry office equipment are in poor condition as they were purchased over 10 years ago;
Resolves to:
Vire the Sum of N100, 000, 000 meant for Personnel Cost in the 2019 Budget to Overhead Cost and Capital Cost in 2019 to enable the Commission to utilize the fund appropriately.
Debate
Rep. Bala moved the motion on the need to vire funds from the National Assembly Commission personnel vote to capital and overhead cost and it was seconded by Rep. Alhassan Abdallah.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
4. Rehabilitation of Primary Health Care Centres across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory for effective HealthCare Service Delivery:
Rep. Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro.
The House:
Notes that good health is a relative state in which one is able to function well physically, mentally, socially and spiritually in order to express the full range of one's unique potentials with the environment in which one is living;
Also notes that primary health is the essential health care made available to an individual in a community at a cost that he can afford;
Concerned that most of the primary health care centres across the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja are either uncompleted or in a state of disrepair and in some cases, without equipment to function efficiently and effectively, thus leaving them in deplorable conditions;
Also concerned that the inability to effectively address the numerous public health challenges has contributed to the persistent and high level of poverty and the weakness of the primary health care system;
Aware that political instability, corruption, limited institutional capacity and unstable economy are major factors responsible for the poor development of primary health care in Nigeria;
Worried that when people fall sick of minor ailments like malaria or pains, they often go to the tertiary health care institution for treatment because the primary health care centres are not available and where there is one, they are not equipped with drugs and staff to function effectively;
Cognizant that for there to be an improvement in the health care service delivery, there is need to improve the primary health care system, by the provision of basic equipment to make those centres function effectively;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Health to commence the rehabilitation and equipping of primary health care centres across the 36 States of the federation and the Federal capital territory for effective health care delivery;
(ii) Also, urge the Ministry to employ all cadres of health care providers for primary health care centres to ensure effective and efficient health care delivery;
(iii) Mandate the Committee on Health Care Services to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Ajilesoro moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate primary healthcare centres in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Onanuga Oriyomi.
As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
5. Need to Rehabilitate Federal Road in Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency
Rep. Ossai Nicholas Ossai.
The House:
Notes that on 1 October 1994, the Federal Government by the Federal Highway Starting (Declaration) Order (No.2) declared the road starting from Ashaka - Kwale, continuing thence to Umutu and terminating at Agbor on truck A232 as a Federal Highway number F.224;
Also notes that the federal highway runs through two major Federal Constituencies in Delta State, namely Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency and Ika Federal Constituency and also has a connecting link to the Onitsha-Benin express road and the Warri-Ughelli-Asaba express road that convey Nigerians to the South Eastern and Northern parts of Nigeria;
Further notes that the Ndokwa region is an oil and gas producing area that has vehicular movements that service heavy-duty trucks, indigenous goods of woven baskets, metalwork and sculpture and also the needs of already established and functional institutions within and outside the region, such as the Delta State University, Novena University, Marine Technology, College of Education, School of Nursing and the proposed Federal Polytechnic;
Observes that since the construction of the road about 45 years ago, there has not been any palliative measure either by way of maintenance or reconstruction of the failed sections of the only federal highway in Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency;
Concerned that the failed sections of the road are taking a great toll on the highway which has become hotspots for kidnappers and fertile ground for armed robbers to attack unsuspecting road users;
Also concerned that Ndokwa people, being majorly agrarian and also one of the areas where crude oil and gas is being presently explored in Delta State, needs a good road network for vehicular movement of people, goods and services that will connect the people to other parts of the country, particularly to the Federal Capital Territory;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to urgently embark on the reconstruction of the road;
(ii) Mandate the Committee on Works to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Ossai moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate the roads and it was seconded by Rep. Ali Adeyemi. As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant committees of the House.
6. Increasing Rate of Suicide in Nigeria:
Rep. Chukwuma Umeoji.
The House:
Notes that suicide is the act of taking one's life intentionally as it happens impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life’s stresses such as financial and emotional problems, chronic pain, illness, unemployment, poverty, drug abuse, depression, hopelessness, discrimination practices, bullying, intimidation, suppression etc.;
Also notes that people in zones where there are conflicts, disasters, violence, abuse or loss and sense of isolation are more strongly associated with suicidal behaviours and the rates are higher among vulnerable groups like migrants, refugees, indigenous people, prisoners and people who are sexually discriminated against;
Recalls reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) that suicide accounts for about one million deaths worldwide annually and for every death by suicide, more than twenty people must have attempted suicides;
Also recalls that the Global Health Observatory had put the global age-standardized suicide rate at 14.4 per 100,000 people and that suicide is the second cause of death among those aged between15-29.
Observes that the suicide rate in Nigeria is estimated at 9.8 per 100,000 people which is higher than the regional average and Nigeria is ranked 30 among 185 countries by the World Health Organization (WHO) with incidents of suicide;
Cognizant that 60 countries have vital registration data on suicide while only 38 countries have in place a national suicide prevention strategy and Nigeria is not among the countries listed;
Also cognizant that suicide is one of the conditions in the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) of which Nigeria is a member nation and is committed towards the global target of reducing the suicide rate in countries by 10 percent in 2020;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Government to adopt a National Suicide Prevention Strategy and also establish Social Welfare Centres and mental health care and psychological assistance in all the local government areas in the country;
(ii) Call on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to embark on sensitization and advocacy programme on suicide prevention;
(iii) Mandate the Committees on Healthcare Services and Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Umeoji moved the motion on the increasing rate of suicide and it was seconded by Rep. Wale Raji.
In leading the debate Rep. Umeoji stated that the motion is based on the love for the lives of Nigerians by legislators. He blamed unemployment, frustration and other socio-economic challenges for being the main reasons behind the rising case of suicide. He decried the increase in the trends which wasn't the norm in Nigeria, he blamed the abandonment of the African norm of looking out for each other in the society and adoption of the European way of isolation in society, this he said makes people suffer in silence and give up all hope and kill themselves.
As a disaster-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant committees of the House.
7. Call on the Federal Ministry of Health to Develop an Efficient System for Management of Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria:
Rep. Umar Abdulkadir Sarki.
The House:
Notes that archaeological and genetic findings have shown that sickle cell disease (SCD) has been with Africans for the last 12 thousand years, yet not much has been done in the continent to manage the scourge of the disease;
Also notes that data from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has shown that Nigeria has the largest population of people with sickle cell disease in the world with about 3.6 million patients and 150,000 babies out of the estimated 300,000 babies born into the world with the disease every year;
Aware that the disease has the potential to spread rapidly as over 40 million Nigerians representing 25% or one-quarter of the population are carriers of sickle cell gene known as A.S;
Also aware that the overwhelming majority of the carriers of sickle cell traits in Nigeria are not aware of their genotype status, let alone taking an informed decision to evade the risk of having children with the disease;
Conscious that the disease, which is caused by inheriting two different defective genes known as haemoglobin S (HbS), has adverse health consequences such as anemia, severe pains in vital organs, tissue injuries, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, renal failure, decrease in patient's lifespan and interference with patient's life, in areas such as education, employment and psychological development;
Also conscious that the current modalities for treatment of the disease including fluid replacement, healthy nutrition, blood transfusion, stem cell transplantation and the application of hydroxyurea to stimulate the development of healthy haemoglobin, among others are characterized by high treatment costs;
Worried that although the United Nations have identified sickle cell disease as a global health challenge and have set aside 19 of June, as World Sickle Cell Day to annually reflect on existing efforts in tackling the scourge of the disease, Nigeria which has the highest cases of the disease globally has not shown serious concern;
Also worried that Nigeria is yet to establish newborn screening which is key to early detection and intervention as commonly practised in the United States and the United Kingdom as well as in developing countries such as Ghana where newborn screening and awareness campaigns have significantly reduced infant mortality rate arising from sickle cell disease;
Resolves to:
Call on the Federal Ministry of Health to:
(i) Introduce free and compulsory newborn screening programme which shall include screening for sickle cell disease in all hospitals in Nigeria;
(ii) Provide free treatment and counselling service to patients with sickle cell disease;
(iii) Sensitize religious institutions and the judiciary to include results of genotype tests as one of the conditions for marriage;
(iiii) Collaborate with government and private broadcasting stations for continuous awareness campaigns on the cause, health consequences and solutions to the disease;
(v) Urge the Federal Ministry of Education to include sickle cell education in science subjects in all primary and secondary schools; and
(vi) Mandate the Committee on Healthcare Services, Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values and Basic Education and Services to ensure implementation.
Debate
Rep. Sarki moved the motion on the need to improve the health system for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia and it was seconded by Rep. Bamisile Richard.
The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant Committees of the House.
8. Urgent Need to make Artisans more Effective and Productive in Nigeria:
Rep. Alli Adeyemi Taofeek:
The House:
Notes that artisans are different professional tradesmen and women who are manual skilled workers within the society and display great dexterity in their field of endeavour;
Further notes that they are masters of different professions such as automobile mechanics, vulcanizers, welders, interior-decorators, make-up-artists, bead-makers, radionics, photographers, electricians, computer and other technicians;
Again notes that the sector, being an employer of labour, helps in creating jobs opportunities, thereby reducing unemployment and crime rates;
Aware of the desire of an unemployed person to embrace artisanship and a productive venture which will help in reducing social ills and contribute to economic growth and development;
Also aware that the trained and empowered artisans will, as a multiplier effect, absorb more trainees so as to address the challenges posed by the dearth of indigenous skilled artisans, and by implication reduce the influx of artisans and craftsmen from neighbouring countries and loss of revenues;
Cognizant of the need for Government to give financial supports to the Youths who have acquired skills as well as Artisans to expand their businesses;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity in conjunction with the National Bureau of Statistics and the National Directorate of Employment to ascertain the number of artisans of different trades in the country and come up with a comprehensive databank to enable the government assist this very important and critical sector of the economy and also to create a platform for artisans at all levels of government;
(ii) mandate the Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity to ensure compliance and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.
Debate
Rep. Taofeek moved the motion on the need to ensure artisans become more productive and efficient and it was seconded by Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
9. Need to Replace the use of Typewriters with Computers in all Secondary Schools in Nigeria:
Rep. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga:
The House
Notes that some Secondary schools in Nigeria are still using typewriters as part of the school curriculum especially in subjects like Business studies and Accounts while secretaries in some schools still use typewriters to carry out their official functions;
Aware that the use of typewriters is archaic and they can only be seen in museums as artefacts in other countries and as a matter of fact, typewriter accessories are no longer available as technological innovation has overtaken this old age practice;
Aware that introduction of Computer studies in all our secondary schools would automatically replace the use of typewriters because computers have better advantages like bigger storage capacity with the ability to install office function applications like spreadsheets, databases, documents and slide presentations that will enhance the students' studies and put them at par with their contemporaries worldwide;
Also aware that Computer studies will prepare the children for better academic successes responsibility while they are preparing for computer-based examinations;
Further aware that primary and secondary school students in other climes start with computer studies and gradually move into robotics, computer programming and innovative engineering hence the need for them to be accorded the right to such opportunities;
Concerned that any secondary school still using typewriters is in no way helping its students, as it is sending them back to the Stone Age.
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Ministry Federal of Education to make computer studies, both theory and practical, a compulsory subject in West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations in all secondary schools and the eliminate the use of typewriters in all secondary schools, both in internal and external examinations;
(ii) Mandate the Committees on Tertiary Education and Service, Basic Education and Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
Debate
Rep. Onanuga moved the motion on the need to replace typewriters with computers in secondary schools and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
In leading the debate Rep. Onanuga stated with alarm that some schools still use typewriters in their staff rooms and also teach candidates to type with typewriters.
The motion was voted on but it was not adopted
__________
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presiding
10. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Treasury Management for the Promotion, Study and Practice of proper Management of the Treasury as safeguards against Fraud, Embezzlement, Emasculation, Misappropriation or Misapplication of Resources placed in the custody of Fund Managers; and for Related Matters (HB. 57) – (Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno) (Committee of the Whole: 24/7/2019).
Synopsis of the Report:
Rep. Monguno stated that the Bill seeks to invite the Honorable House to do the needful and regulate the practice of treasury management to eradicate corruption and quacks in the financial sector and promote financial responsibility standards.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried: 3-24
Clauses amended and adopted: 1, 2
11. A Bill for an Act to establish the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Agency to Institute the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme and Provide Comprehensive, Quality and Affordable Health Care Service for all Residents of the Federal Capital Territory; and for Related Matters (HB. 60) (Rep. Peter Akptason) (Committee of the Whole:5/11/2019).
Synopsis of the Report:
Rep. Akpatason stated that the Bill was passed in the 8th Assembly but was not ascended to by the President due to some defects. The defects have now been taken care of to ensure the civil society organizations represent the public interest in health insurance agencies in every state and the federal capital territory.
Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and adopted: 1-52
13. Committee on Army:
Rep. Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas:
“That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Army on the Operation Positive Identification by the Nigerian Army and approve the recommendations therein” (Laid: 14/11/2019).
(i) That the Army can continue with the Operation Positive Identification but in collaboration with other relevant Security Agencies, such as Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Police Force, who should take the lead in the identification process;
(ii) That a Joint Intelligence and Monitoring Team should be set up by the Agencies involved in order to checkmate possible abuse of the exercise, such as extortion and assault on the people.
(iii) That the Army should regularly brief the Committee on Army for proper assessment of the exercise;
(iv) that the Nigerian Army should disengage from the areas they have successfully completed operations and allow the Police to consolidate on the gains;
(v) That serious and urgent attention should be given to the Police, in the area of training and retraining to equip them to curtail future insurrection or violence that may occur.
Synopsis of the Report:
Rep. Namdas stated that the House Committee on Army interacted with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and investigations revealed that the identification operation was due to intelligence reports that Boko Haram members had infiltrated communities in the Northeast, and were in the phase of moving to other regions of the country. The operation yielded the arrest of a senior Boko Haram member in one of the communities.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu, however, objected to the identification operation of the army as his constituents see it as an abuse to their right of freedom of movement.
Summary of voting:
Recommendations voted on and adopted: 1-6
__________
HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted its report of the Committee of the Whole
____________Adjournment:
The House at 2:39 P.M adjourned plenary to Tuesday, 19th November, 2019 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the deputy leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by the Chief Whip Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno
Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives
Post a Comment