{"id":689,"date":"2021-11-18T19:26:13","date_gmt":"2021-11-18T19:26:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/?p=689"},"modified":"2021-11-18T19:26:13","modified_gmt":"2021-11-18T19:26:13","slug":"plenary-proceedings-of-the-house-of-representatives-for-thursday-november-18th-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/?p=689","title":{"rendered":"Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Thursday, November 18th, 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, November 17th, 2021<\/div>\n
________________________________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
ANNOUNCEMENT<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
1. The speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that committees of the House who had several important Bills referred to them months ago, whose reports are not laid on the floor of the House by December 31st, 2021; will stand discharged and the Bills will be referred to other similar committees to complete the task.<\/div>\n
________________________________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
PETITIONS<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
1. Rep. Toby Okechukwu laid 2 petitions from 2 different complainants against the ministry of works and housing. First on a threat to forcefully acquiring land and the second; a threat to demolish a 4-bedroom building in Gwagalada in Abuja.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
2. Rep. Solomon Maren laid a petition from 2 complainants who were forcefully sacked from the Jos teaching hospital. Other individuals who were sacked alongside them have since been reinstated. They craved the intervention of the House to enable their recall and reinstatement.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
3. Rep. Taiwo Adewale laid a petition from a complainant appealing for justice on the gruesome murder of his brother in a hotel he lodged in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
All petitions were referred to the House committee on public petitions.<\/div>\n
________________________________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
1. Rep. Bolaji Ayinla moved a motion on the need for the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant agencies to provide relief and support to victims of the gas explosion at the mechanic village in Lagos. In leading the debate; Rep. Ayinla expressed concern at the slow pace of the agency to handle emergencies in Lagos. He called for the quickening of response processes to accidents and emergencies nationwide. The motion was voted on and adopted.<\/div>\n
________________________________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
PRESENTATION OF BILLS<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1659) (Rep. Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro and 3 others) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
2. National Broadcasting Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1688) (Rep. Kolapo Korede Osunsanya) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
3. Treasury Single Account Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1692) (Rep . James Abiodun Faleke) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
4. Federal College of Agriculture, Kabba (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1693) (Rep. James Abiodun Faleke) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
5. Nigeria Army School of Finance and Administration, Apapa, Lagos State (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1694)\u200b(Rep. James Abiodun Faleke) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n
6. Federal College of Education (Technical) Gwaram (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1695) (Rep. Yusuf Shitu Galambi) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
7. Board for Technology Business Incubator Centre (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1699) (Rep. James Abiodun Faleke) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
8. Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1700) (Rep . James Abiodun Faleke) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
9. Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Victoria Island (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1701)\u200b(Rep. James Abiodun Faleke) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
10. Federal College of Orthopaedic Technology, Igbobi (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1702) (Rep. James Abiodun Faleke) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
11. Educational Correspondence Colleges Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1703)\u200b(Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
12. National Technical and Vocational Institute, Ikare-Akoko Ondo State (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1704) (Rep. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
13. Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Talasse, Gombe State (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1710) (Rep. Victor Mela) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
14. Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1711) (Rep. Adejoro Adeogun) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
15. Federal Institute of Aviation Engineering and Technology, Oghara, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (Rep. Ben Rollands Igbakpa) \u2013 First Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
________________________________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
1.\u200bCommittee on Science and Technology:<\/div>\n
Rep. Beni Lar:<\/div>\n
\u201cThat the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on a Bill for an Act to Establish National Renewable Energy Development Agency charged with Responsibility of Promoting the use of Renewable Energy Resources; and for Related Matters (HB.1241) (Referred:6\/5\/2021).<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Beni Lar and seconded by Rep. Nicholas Ossai.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
2.\u200bCommittee on Science and Technology:<\/div>\n
Rep. Beni Lar:<\/div>\n
\u201cThat the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on Bill for an Act to Amend the Energy Commission of Nigeria Act, Cap. E 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make it Compulsory for the Federal Government through the Commission to Harness, Explore and Utilize Other Sources of Energy other than Hydro and Gas Energy Sources in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HBs.243 & 446) (Referred:9\/6\/2021).<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
The report was laid following a motion by Rep. Beni Lar and seconded by Rep. Nicholas Ossai.<\/div>\n
________________________________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
ORDERS OF THE DAY<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
BILLS<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Jalingo, to make Comprehensive Provisions for Management and Administration of the University; and for Related Matters (HB. 750) \u2013 Third Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Debate<\/div>\n
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Toby Okechukwu. The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the clerk read the long title and it was passed.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
2. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Aboh; and for Related Matters (HB.1590) \u2013 Third Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Debate<\/div>\n
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Toby Okechukwu. The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the clerk read the long title and it was passed.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
3. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education (Technical) Aghoro, Bayelsa State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1649) \u2013 Third Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Debate<\/div>\n
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Toby Okechukwu. The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the clerk read the long title and it was passed.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
4. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education, Bende to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Sciences, Commerce, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management and to carry out Research in the Development and Adaptation of Techniques; and also make Provision for the Appointment of a Provost and the Officials of the College to carry out the Administration and Discipline of Students of the College; and for Related Matters (HB. 852) \u2013 Third Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Debate<\/div>\n
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Toby Okechukwu. The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the clerk read the long title and it was passed.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
5. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Third Alteration) Act, 2011 to Provide for Establishment of the Code of Conduct Tribunal as part of the Judicature under the Constitution to ensure its Independence; and for Related Matters (HBs. 961 and 999) (Rep. Solomon T. Bob and Rep. Olajide Olatunbosun) \u2013 Second Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Debate<\/div>\n
Rep. Solomon Bob moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Boniface. In leading the debate, Rep. Bob stated that the Bill seeks to amend the relevant sections of the constitution to ensure the independence of the Code of Conduct Tribunal for the effective discharge of Justice delivery. The Bill also seeks to clearly specify the functions of key offices within the Tribunal. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the special Ad-Hoc committee on the review of the constitution.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
6. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004and Enact the Federal Colleges of Education Bill; and for Related Matters (HB. 1455) (Rep. Aminu Suleiman) \u2013 Second Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Debate<\/div>\n
Rep. Aminu Suleiman moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Akin Alabi. Rep. Suleiman in leading the debate stated that the Bill intends to update the Act governing teaching and learning. The Act as it exists is obsolete and limits learning processes in many institutions of higher learning, this the Bill seeks to correct he stated. The Bill also seeks to make the office of provosts be for a single term. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on tertiary education and services.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
7. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap. O10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Abuja; and for Related Matters (HB. 1479) (Rep. Ademorin A. Kuye) \u2013 Second Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Bill stepped down by leave of the House<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
8. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Geidam, Yobe State to Provide Full- Time Courses leading to the Award of Diploma, Higher National Diploma in Agriculture and Allied Disciplines and be Responsible for the Due Administration of the College; and for Related Matters (HB. 1277) (Rep. Lawan Shettima Ali) \u2013 Second Reading.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Debate<\/div>\n
Rep. Lawan Ali moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Satomi Ahmed. Rep. Ali in leading the debate stated that the proposed college would cater for the educational needs of people in the region (Geidam, Yobe state) who are subjected to travel far distances to acquire the desired knowledge in agricultural education and research techniques. The proposed college would also ensure the award of recognized certification for such agriculture-based courses. He urged members to support the second reading of the Bill. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House committee on agricultural colleges and institutions.<\/div>\n
________________________________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
MOTIONS<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
9. Need to Upgrade Correctional Centres in Nigeria:<\/div>\n
Rep. Muhammed Gudaji Kazaure:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
The House:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Notes the recent cases of jailbreaks across the country which destroyed Correctional Centres and their security systems;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Also notes that Correctional Centres are where convicted criminals are kept to make the society safe, thus it is dangerous for such convicts to be let loose;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Concerned that if adequate steps are not taken to re-arrest the escaped convicts and provide adequate security in Correctional Centres, some of the criminals who escaped may become more emboldened to the point of forming terrorist groups that would put the country in jeopardy;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Resolves to:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(i) Urge the Federal Government to rehabilitate and upgrade the Correctional Centres with the latest and sophisticated arms such as GPMG and automatic machine guns and latest security electric fence wires attached with shocking gadgets and highly sophisticated CCTV Cameras<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(ii) also urge Federal Government to take over the payment of electricity bills of the Correctional Centres in Nigeria or exempt the Centres from paying electricity bills;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(iii) mandate the Committee on Appropriations to include the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Correctional Centres in the 2022 budget estimates.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Debate<\/div>\n
Rep. Muhammed Kazaure moved the motion on the need to upgrade correctional centres in Nigeria. Rep. Kazaure in leading the debate stressed the need to ensure the fortification of correctional centres to ensure criminal elements are well secure and eventually rehabilitated. He expressed worry at the frequent cases of attacks on correctional centres by gunmen normally better armed than the guards of the centres. He stressed the need for the employment of better weaponry and high tech equipment to secure the centres so that criminal elements cannot escape and infiltrate society until they are properly rehabilitated and duly released. The motion was voted on and adopted.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
10. Urgent Need to Address the Rising Spate of Suicide Cases in Nigeria:<\/div>\n
Rep. Gaza J. Gbefwi:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
The House:<\/div>\n
Notes the prevalence of suicide cases in Nigeria, especially among youths between the ages of 15-29 years;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Also notes the statistics showing that one-fifth of suicide cases are of persons aged 13-19 years and over 50% of the crisis calls received through hotlines are from youth aged 13-29 and 27.8% of them are students;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Informed that according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), suicides and attempted suicide cases recorded in the 36 states of the Federation, including the FCT, were 333 and 196 respectively as of 2017, while other reports show that about 80 persons ended their lives between April 8, 2017, and May 12, 2019;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Aware that socio-economic factors contribute largely to mental illness such as depression, anxiety disorders etc, which are on the increase and are the leading causes of suicide in Nigeria;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Concerned that the level of awareness of the Nigerian public on mental issues is very low as depression is one of the most ignored and misunderstood forms of mental disorders;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Also concerned that although Nigeria has the highest number of mental cases in Africa, it has one of the lowest numbers of psychiatrists in the world with only about 250 of them providing mental health care in the entire country;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Disturbed that the only form of legislation on mental health is the Lunacy Ordinance enacted in 1916 that assumed the status of law in 1958;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Resolves to:<\/div>\n
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Health to come up with a national strategy to address mental problems in Nigeria;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(ii) Set up an Ad-hoc Committee to review extant mental health laws to provide for proper care of affected persons in Nigeria and expedite action on measures aimed at protecting the rights of persons with a mental disorder, ensuring equal access to treatment and care, discouraging stigma and discrimination and set standards for psychiatric practice in Nigeria.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Debate<\/div>\n
Rep. Gaza Gbwefi moved the motion on the rising spate of suicide cases in Nigeria and it was seconded by Rep. Anayo Nwonu. Rep. Gbwefi in leading the debate stated that the cases of mental illness due to depression and social ills is on a steady rise, which is very worrisome. He called on members to support the adoption of the motion in the spirit of improving national mental health awareness. The motion was voted on and adopted.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
11. Need to Strengthen Traditional Medicine for Sustainable Health Care Delivery in Nigeria:<\/div>\n
Rep. Balarebe Shehu Kakale:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
The House:<\/div>\n
Notes that the global outbreak of COVID-19 has exposed the disproportionate burden of Nigeria\u2019s over-dependence on imported medical, pharmaceuticals, devices, equipment and other related health services;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Also notes that there is an overwhelming increase in awareness for locally-sourced health solutions in Nigeria with more Nigerians demanding health care services that are local, homegrown, organic, close, conveniently accessible and affordable;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Concerned that failure to strengthen and adequately utilise alternative medical practices in the country undermines the sustainability of the domestic structures, denies Nigerians the opportunity to test their usefulness in the prevention and cure of various ailments, and leads to waste of resources;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Aware that evidence has shown that Nigeria, in particular, has a plethora of medicinal plants scientifically proven to have immense health benefits but the country has failed to effectively use them;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Also concerned that the lack of a sustainable domestic approach to healthcare delivery has resulted in a weak healthcare system in the country especially in efforts towards combatting COVID-19 and other epidemics;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Worried that the overdependence on foreign medicine has created a lacuna in Nigeria\u2019s healthcare system, thus limiting access to other effective forms of treatment and leaving citizens vulnerable to various diseases;<\/div>\n
Resolves to:<\/div>\n
Mandate the Committees on Healthcare Services, Health Institutions, Appropriations, Finance, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, Science and Technology, Labour and Productivity and Ad-hoc Committee on COVID\u201319 to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Labour and Productivity, Science and Technology to devise strategies towards strengthening and developing alternative healthcare delivery in the country and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Motion stepped down by leave of the House.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
12. Need to Relocate the Federal Training Centre from Kaduna to Maiduguri:<\/div>\n
Rep. Ahmed Satomi:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
The House:<\/div>\n
Notes that the Federal Training Centre was first established in Lagos in 1957 to facilitate a deliberate policy of Nigerianization of the Public Service, as well as accelerating the pace of training of clerical and secretarial staff in the Public Service generally;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Also notes that in 1960, when Nigeria became independent, the first batch of staff trained in the Lagos Federal Training Centre had made an impact in various government offices, departments and agencies;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Aware that the Kaduna Federal Training Centre was established in 1960 to cater for Federal Institutions and Departments in defunct Northern Nigeria, to motivate and encourage Public Servants of Northern Nigeria to undergo professional training to fill up several vacancies that became vacant with the gradual withdrawal of expatriate staff in the various levels of the Public Service;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Also aware that in 1976, additional Centres were established in Ilorin, Enugu in 1977, Maiduguri in 1978 and Calabar in 1982 in the bid to meet manpower requirements of the Federal Public Service and to reflect Federal character;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Further aware that the Federal Training Centre has become the first choice Training Institute in Nigeria in the field of Management and Administration through excellent, academic, professional and entrepreneurial education;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Cognizance that the Federal Traning Centres are generally charged with the following mandates to:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(a) develop, organize and run an appropriate course for clerical, secretarial and management skills for serving junior and middle-level public officers (Grade level 01 – 07);<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(b) alleviate the acute shortage of manpower in these cadres, thus enabling them to respond positively and significantly to challenges of the new dispensation;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(c) engage in continuous education and training programmes to meet manpower needs in the junior and middle-level cadres;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(d) enhance productivity and effective job performance among the rank and file of Junior and middle-level staff thus providing the vital link and service’ to the management cadres;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(e) develop new job skills and refresh old in all areas of operation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Concerned that in February 2012 due to the impact of insurgency in the North-East Geo-Political zone, the Maiduguri Centre was temporarily relocated to Kaduna pending the return of normalcy;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Disturbed that many participants and students drawn from various states of the North- East are compelled to take the risk of travelling to Kaduna for training at the Centre;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Worried by the rising level of insecurity in Kaduna State due to the activities of bandits, kidnappers, criminals and terrorists and the risk being taken by students undergoing courses at the Kaduna Centre from the North\u2013East States;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Desirous of the need to relocate the Federal Training Centre from Kaduna to Maiduguri following the return of normalcy and the level of peace presently experienced in Maiduguri even much more than Kaduna;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Resolves to:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(i) Urge the Head of Service of the Federation to direct the relocation of the Federal Training Centre from Kaduna to Maiduguri;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(ii) mandate the Committees on Public Service Matters and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Debate<\/div>\n
Rep. Ahmed Satomi moved the motion on the need to relocate the federal training centre from Kaduna to Maiduguri, Borno state and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Bargaja. The motion was voted on and adopted.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
13. Call to Rehabilitate Amansea\u2013 Ugwuoba Road Axis of Enugu \u2013Onitsha Expressway:<\/div>\n
Rep. Sam Chinedu Onwuasa:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
The House:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Notes that Amansea-Ugwuoba axis of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway is the only road that connects Anambra and Enugu States;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Also notes that the deplorable condition of the road calls for government’s intervention, as road users spend 5-7hours in the gridlock daily;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Further notes that the vice-president, Yemi Osinbajo, during an official visit to Anambra State, experienced a similar fate on Tuesday, 24 August 2021;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Recalls that the road has not witnessed any form of rehabilitation as farmers find it difficult to transport farm produce during the rainy season;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Concerned that with the deep potholes and gully erosion on the road caused by torrential rainfalls, it has not become a death trap for commuters and residents of adjoining communities but also a breeding ground for robbery and other criminal activities;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Resolves to:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to commence rehabilitation of the road to avoid further disaster and deterioration with the attendant hardships on commuters and residents;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(ii) also urge the Federal Road Maintenance Agency to provide palliative measures on the road, to ease the movement of transporting goods and services;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(iii) mandate Committee on Works and FERMA to ensure compliance<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Motion stepped down by leave of the House.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
14. Need to Provide Adequate Security Measures in Federal Government and Private Schools in Nigeria:<\/div>\n
Rep. Taiwo Oluga:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
The House:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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 shall be the primary purpose of government, while Section 18 of the Constitution provides for the Educational Objectives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and mandates the Federal Government to ensure equal and adequate educational opportunities for all citizens at all levels and also that government must strive to eradicate illiteracy, provide free, compulsory and universal primary and secondary education;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Also notes that regardless of those objectives, the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Report of 2018 stipulated that of every five (5) out-of-school children in the world, one (1) is a Nigerian Child, the Report further states that approximately 10.5 million children in Nigeria between 5-14 years of age are out of school, 60% of 6-11 years of age children regularly attend primary schools and only 35.6% of children aged 36 months-59 months receive early child education;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Aware that despite these frightening statistics on education in Nigeria, there is an aggressive assault on education in Nigeria, mainly by the dreaded Boko Haram and Bandits in the North that have developed a penchant for massive abduction of children, thereby increasing the number of out of school children in Nigeria;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Concerned that despite these development, the Federal Ministry of Education, the States Ministries of Education and Private School Owners have not taken steps to provide adequate security in schools across the country to prevent attacks;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Appreciates the Federal Government\u2019s intervention in School Feeding Program however, there is an urgent need to provide adequate security for schools in the country to ensure the safety of school pupils;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Resolves to:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(i) Urge the Federal Government to deal more decisively with the issue of armed Banditry and Kidnapping in Nigeria and consider proscribing kidnappers as terrorists;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(ii) also urge the Federal Ministry of Education to deploy technology and logistics to provide security for Government Schools in Nigeria;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(iii) further urge all Private School owners across the country to deploy adequate security in their schools;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
(iv) mandate the Committee on Basic Education and Service to ensure compliance.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Motion stepped down by leave of the House.<\/div>\n
________________________________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Wase presiding:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
15. A Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) in the same Profession\/Field for the Purpose of Employment; and for Related Matters (HBs. 1466 and 579) \u2013 Committee of the Whole: 9\/11\/2021.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Summary of voting:<\/div>\n
Clauses voted on and carried: 1-8<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
16. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) charged with Responsibilities to, among others, Provide Community Policing, Maintenance of Law and Order and Community Service for Nigerians; and for Related Matters (HB. 437) (Rep. Abbas Tajudeen) \u2013 Committee of the Whole:21\/11\/2019.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Synopsis of the report:<\/div>\n
Rep. Kabiru Idris stated that the Bill was earlier stepped down from consideration due to various concerns raised by members including, but not limited to the cost implication of running the vigilante system on the federal government’s purse. An Ad-Hoc Committee was set up to look into them. The committee did thorough scrutiny of the concerns and came up with the new report.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Rep. Ahmed Wase expressed concern at the means of seeking for funding for the vigilante, he stated that it would be unfair to ask the vigilante to source for funding for themselves, after already volunteering their life service. He also attested to the effective service the vigilante already provide nationally.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Summary of voting:<\/div>\n
Clauses voted on and carried: 1-10, 12-30<\/div>\n
Clause suspended for further consideration: 11<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
17. Committee on Human Rights:<\/div>\n
Rep. John Dyegh.<\/div>\n
\u201cThat the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Human Rights on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Human Rights Commission Act, Cap. N46, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended) and Enact the National Human Rights Commission Bill to strengthen the Commission to conduct Investigations and Sustain Activities in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB. 1072) and approve the recommendations therein\u201d (Laid: 13\/7\/2021).<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Synopsis of the report:<\/div>\n
Rep. Rimamnde Shawulu standing in for Rep. John Dyegh stated that the Bill seeks to harmonize the Human Rights Act and the former amendment which were being operated side-by- side. This he said caused several hitches in its implementation. The committee worked with its Senate counterpart to address all issues in the Act.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Summary of voting:<\/div>\n
Clauses voted on and carried: 1-25<\/div>\n
Further consideration deferred<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
18. Committee on Tertiary Education and Services:<\/div>\n
Rep. Aminu Suleiman.<\/div>\n
\u201cThat the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services on a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education, Ila-Orangun, Osun State; and for Related Matters (HB 493) and approve the recommendations therein\u201d (Laid:6\/7\/2021).<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
19. Committee on Health Institutions:<\/div>\n
Rep. Paschal Obi.<\/div>\n
\u201cThat the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Medical Centre, Oghara, Delta State; and for Related Matters (HB. 573) and approve the recommendations therein\u201d (Laid:15\/7\/2021).<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Consideration of report stepped down by leave of the House<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
20. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of School of Mines and Geological Studies, Akoko-Edo, Edo State; and for Related Matters (HB. 441) \u2013 Committee of the Whole: 16\/11\/2021<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Synopsis of the report:<\/div>\n
Rep. Peter Akpatason stated that the establishment Bill was passed by the House but did not receive presidential assent for being domiciled under the wrong ministry. Since the correction has since been effected; Rep. Akpatason urged members to vote for it’s establishment.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Summary of voting:<\/div>\n
Clause voted on and carried: 24<\/div>\n
________________________________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
HOUSE IN PLENARY<\/div>\n
The House reverted to plenary and adopted the report of the committee of the whole following a motion by the deputy leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Rep. Benjamin Kalu<\/div>\n
________________________________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
The House suspended its rules to approve the votes and proceedings of the day following a motion by Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Rep. Alex.<\/div>\n
________________________________________________________________________________________<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Adjournment:<\/div>\n
The House at 14:01 adjourned plenary till Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the deputy leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by Rep. Kabiru Idris.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding. After leading the opening prayer and recitation of the national pledge, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, November 17th, 2021 ________________________________________________________________________________________ ANNOUNCEMENT 1. The speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that committees of the House who had several important Bills referred […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":690,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-689","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=689"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":691,"href":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689\/revisions\/691"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/690"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=689"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=689"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecongresswatch.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=689"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}