The session on July 9th, 2024, in the House of Representatives kicked off with the usual formalities: the National Anthem, an opening prayer, and the recitation of the National Pledge.
Presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the proceedings from July 2nd were swiftly approved.
Announcements Galore
The day’s announcements highlighted the formation of a conference committee on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act. A meeting for the minority caucus was also scheduled for 3:00 PM in Room 4.17.
Petitions Presented:
Three significant petitions were presented:
1. The University of Calabar’s academic community voiced their grievances against the previous administration.
2. Hon. Mitema Obodor brought forth a complaint against Shell Petroleum Development Company for asset diversion in Bayelsa State.
3. Hon. Okolie Lawrence laid a petition regarding the alleged murder of a young man by a police sergeant.
All petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions for further review.
Urgent Matters Discussed:
1. Katsina State Security Crisis
Hon. Aliyu Abubakar moved a motion addressing the alarming rise in killings, kidnappings, and banditry in Katsina State. He emphasized the need for urgent intervention from security agencies and humanitarian aid for victims. The motion, supported by Hon. Umar Ajilo, was adopted and referred to the relevant committees.
2. Oil Sector Investigation
Hon. Famous Osawaru pushed for a legislative forensic investigation into the challenges plaguing Nigeria’s downstream and midstream oil sectors. The motion, backed by Hon. Aderemi Useni, cited issues like corruption, mismanagement, and subsidy regime concerns. It was adopted with amendments and referred to the appropriate committees.
3. SAMOA Agreement Scrutiny
Hon. Aliyu Madaki raised concerns over the SAMOA agreement, alleging it contained controversial clauses that could contradict Nigerian values. Despite differing views, the motion was adopted and referred to the House committees for thorough investigation.
4. Local Government Autonomy
Hon. Ademorin Kuye stressed the importance of financial and administrative autonomy for local governments. The motion, seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, called for action against states operating with caretaker committees instead of elected officials. The motion was adopted and referred to relevant committees.
5. Medical Institutions and Electricity Tariffs
Hon. Bamidele Salam advocated for the exemption of medical institutions from increased electricity tariffs. The motion was adopted and referred to the House committees on Health Institutions, Power, and Rural Electrification.
6. Local Vaccine Production
Hon. Samuel Adedayo called for the promotion of local vaccine production, particularly focusing on the dormant Yaba vaccine production laboratory. The motion was adopted and referred to the House committees on Health Institutions and Healthcare Services.
Privileges and Grievances:
Hon. Philip Agbese raised a matter of privilege, condemning discrimination against first-time members during debates. The Deputy Speaker assured that all members are treated equally. Hon. Ghali Mustapha also called for a more inclusive approach in addressing new members’ learning curves.
Presentation of Bills:
Several bills were presented for the first reading, ranging from constitutional amendments to the establishment of new institutions like the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Katsina State and the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology in Kankia.
Reports and Bills Passed:
1. The Committee on Shipping Services presented a report on repealing the Nigeria Shippers’ Council Act.
2. Multiple bills, including those establishing the Nigeria Correctional Service Trust Fund and the North Central Development Commission, were read for the third time and passed.
Debates on Second Reading:
1. Voting Rights for Nigerians Abroad
A bill to allow Nigerian citizens living abroad to vote in national elections was approved on second reading.
2. Public Procurement Act Amendment
Amendments to the Public Procurement Act to address contract delays were also approved.
3. Women’s Representation in Parliament
A bill seeking to reserve seats for women in the National and State Assemblies sparked a heated debate. While some members supported the initiative to address gender imbalance, others argued for equal competition without reservations. The bill was approved for second reading and will proceed to a public hearing.
The session was a vibrant mix of discussions, debates, and decisions, reflecting the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s legislative process.
Babs.
LV