Hon Simon Mwadkwon PhD, member Representing Barkin-Ladi/Riyom House of Reps Abuja continued his amazing Legislative outing today July 9, 2019 in plenary.

In addition to the six (6) bills he presented and passed first reading last Thursday, he also presented another 3 set of bills in plenary today for first reading, they are;

1.Socially Displaced persons Bill 2019 (HB 61)
Hon Simon Mwadkwon first reading.

1. Social Safety Net Service Bill 2019
   (HB:62) Hon Simon Mwadkwon first Reading.
2. Fiscal responsibility Act( amendment ) Bill 2019 (HB:63) Hon Simon Mwadkwon. First reading.

In what you can term as hitting the ground running, Hon Simon Mwadkwon PhD is already making Plateau visible as one amongst those with the highest bills in the teething phase of the 9th Assembly.

The ” Socially displaced persons bill” if pass into law, will be beneficial to Plateau citizens particularly our IDPs and many other Socially displaced persons.

So far; from inauguration of the ninth Assembly, June 11 till date:
One (1) motion
Nine (9) bills

Below are the plenary Proceedings of the House of Representatives for Tuesday, July 9th, 2019.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Presiding.

After leading the opening prayer, the Speaker examined and approved the Plenary Votes and Proceedings for Thursday, July 4th, 2019.

The Leader of the House, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved a Motion for the admittance of four former House of Representatives members from Edo State into the Chambers to observe Plenary and to stand in solidarity with House of Assembly Members from Edo State who are observing Plenary. The Motion was Seconded by Hon. Wole Oke.

MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

1. Hon. Jimoh Abdulraheem moved a Motion on the breach of privilege from the publication of Daily Trust of Friday, July 5th 2019 which stipulated that the emergence of the leadership of the Minority Parties was the handiwork of Members who were termed ‘traders and merchants’.

He stated that he felt disappointed that such a statement could be credited to a person of Governor Nyesom Wike’s stand as a governor and seasoned politician.

But Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai stated that despite the words used, the subject matter was on the issue of the Minority Party as the Mover of the Motion is not of any Minority Party. He argued that the member should not be offended by the comments, but that it should be Members from the Minority Parties that would cry foul.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila corrected the view of Hon. Ossai, saying that it is the collective privileges of members that may have been breached irrespective of the Parties of Members. He also pointed to the vertical separation of powers in Government and for a State to be condemning the Federal Parliament and using such derogatory terms should not be encouraged, especially from leaders who should know better.

1. Hon. Pat Asadu also Moved a Motion on the breach of privilege of Members following a Publicaton of The Sun of Monday, July 8th 2019 alleging that Honourable Mark Gbillah stated that Honourable Members from the Southeastern region of the country did not act independently, and were hence compromised during the emergence of leaders of the House of Representatives. He prayed the House to investigate the issue.

Hon. Tobi Okechukwu stated that the statement credited to Hon. Gbillah is unbecoming of a fellow Lawmaker.

Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu suggested that the matter be referred to the Ad-Hoc Committee on Ethics and Privileges so that Hon. Mark Gbillah would be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations.

The Speaker Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that it has become a recurring trend for Hon. Gbillah to make allegations against the House as an Institution and on Members individually. He reminded Hon. Gbillah to recollect how the House rose in unison in his support when weighty allegations were laid against him, saying it is unfortunate for him to now be the one promoting disunity. He pleaded with Members to set the reset button and respect each other’s rights and let the issues die peacefully. This ruling also took care of the first Motion.

1. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere Moved a Motion on the need to investigate the causes of crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly. He stated that the Governor of Edo State had failed to convey the publication necessary to inaugurate the new House of Assembly, instead he authorized the constitution of an illegal leadership into the House of Assembly, and at an irregular hour of the day. He called on the House to takeover the affairs of the House of Assembly till normalcy is restored.

Supporting the motion, Hon. Johnson Oghuma stated that the sanctity of Legislature should always be upheld, and he condemned the actions of the governor as Executive rascality which should be thoroughly resisted.

Hon. Peter Akpatason in contributing to the debate decried how Edo State with a high political pedigree would be held ransom by the whims of an erring Executive. The situation, he stated, has led to Members-elect of the House of Assembly to be harassed and attacked by thugs loyal to the Executive.

Hon. Herman Hembe condemned the action, describing it as illegality and called for proper elections to be conducted to give the House the much needed legality.

Hon. Segun Odebunmi in condemning the action in the Edo State House of Assembly, said it is a dangerous trend. He stated that political correctness should not be sacrificed on the alter of personal ambition. He supported the prayer for the House to takeover the affairs of the Edo State House of Assembly in order to set the affairs right.

On his part, Hon. Nicholas Ossai stressed the need for the House of Representatives to as a matter of urgency intervene in order to correct the anomally rocking the Edo House of Assembly, which he said is slowly becoming a norm nationwide in Executive dictatorship.

Hon. Samuel Babatunde called for the Amendment of the Constitution to ensure that the communication for the inauguration of State Houses of Assemblies and the National Assembly should be time bound and clearly transmitted to all concerned Members.

Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas called for the full investigation of the circumstances and bring erring individuals to justice. He termed as unfortunate the violent turn the issue has taken which is giving Nigerian democracy a bad name.

Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno stated that the way it is, there is a vacuum in the Edo State House of Assembly. Hon. Olumide Osoba prayed Governors to tow the line of democracy exemplified by President Muhammadu Buhari and not abuse the tenets of Executive powers.

Hon. Tobi Okechukwu called for speedy resolution of the problems in the Edo State House of Assembly so that the House of Representatives would not need to take over its functions.

The Motion was Voted on and Passed. The Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the crisis in the Edo House of Assembly was constituted and is to be Chaired by Hon. Razak Namdas, with Membership comprising Hon. Linda Ikpeazu, Hon. Bunmi Ojo, Hon. Edwin Anayo, Hon. Bello Kumo, among others.

1. Hon. Tobi Okechukwu Moved a Motion on the urgent need for President Muhammadu Buhari to forward his Ministerial nominees to the National Assembly before the Parliamentary recess so that the relevant Ministries can be fully functional. He stated that the delay portrays unneeded vacuum and negative permutations that should be avoided.

Hon. Mohammed Monguno rose up in a Point of Order under Section 147 of the Nigerian Constitution which gives the President the time he needs to appoint his Ministers without time limit, hence the Motion is an academic exercise that should be jettisoned.

But Hon. Tobi Okechukwu in responding stated that even though there is no time limit, as responsible Lawmakers, they need to urge for the right structure of Government, and quickly. In ruling the Speaker stated that while acknowledging the patriotic view of the Motion by Hon. Tobi Okechukwu, the Point of Order by Hon. Monguno is also valid by Law.

1. Hon. Chisom Promise Moved a Motion on the loss of lives of some of his constituents as a result of a fire outbreak due to the negligence of those who should be maintaining the oil pipelines in the area. The lack of maintenance on the leaking pipeline, he stated, is directly linked to the fire outbreak.

Hon. Promise also blamed the security Agencies who failed to secure the leaking pipeline before it claimed the lives and properties during the inferno. He prayed the House to constitute an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the causes of the disaster. He also called on NNPC to ensure the necessary repairs are effected and that NEMA should come to the aid of those affected with adequate relief materials.

Hon. Promise stated that the police clarified that the oil company responsible should have sensitized the community on the danger of scooping leaking petroleum products, and the Security Agents to cordon off the area. More worrying was that a lot of people who were not part of those scooping the fuel but were caught up in the flames died because of the close proximity of their farms to the area of the inferno. The Motion was Voted on and Passed.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE ORDER PAPER WERE SUSPENDED DUE TO THE NEED FOR THE LEADERSHIP TO ATTEND TO A CRITICAL SECURITY ISSUE

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Environmental Health Officers (Registration, Etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (HB.44) (Hon. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
2. National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Bill, 2019 (HB.45) (Hon. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
3. Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan Bill, 2019 (HB.46) (Hon. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
4. Raw Materials Research and Development Council (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2019 (HB.47) (Hon. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
5. Environmental Health Bill, 2019 (HB.48) (Hon. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
6. Explosives Act (Amendment Bill, 2019 (HB.49) (Hon. Gideon Gwani) – First Reading.
7. National Programme on Immunization Act (Repeal) Bill, 2019 (HB.50) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta) – First Reading.
8. Petroleum Refineries (Incentives, Regulation and Miscellaneous Provision) Bill, 20192019 (HB.51) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta) – First Reading.
9. Investment and Securities Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (HB.52) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta) – First Reading.
10. International Trade Commission Bill, 2019 (HB.53) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta) – First Reading.
11. Free Trade Zones Bill, 2019 2019 (HB.54) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta) – First Reading.
12. Federal Institute for Industrial Research Bill, 2019 (HB.55) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta) – First Reading.
13. Terrorism (Prohibition and Prevention) Bill, 2019 (HB.56) (Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno) – First Reading.
14. Chartered Institute of Treasury Management (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB.57) (Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno) – First Reading.
15. Maritime Security Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2019(HB. 58) (Hon. Ntufam Eta Mbora) – First Reading.
16. Internet Child Pornography Prevention Bill, 2019 (HB. 59) (Hon. Francis Charles Uduyok) – First Reading.
17. Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB. 60) (Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta) – First Reading.
18. Socially Displaced Persons Bill, 2019 (HB. 61) (Hon. Simon Mwadkwon) – First Reading.
19. Social Safety Net Service Bill, 2019 (HB. 62) (Hon. Simon Mwadkwon) – First Reading.
20. Fiscal Responsibility Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (HB. 63) (Hon. Simon Mwadkwon) – First Reading.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY

MOTIONS

1.​ Fuel Tanker Explosion at Ahumbe Community in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State that Claimed Over Fifty (50) Lives:
Hon. Mark Terseer Gbillah:

The House:

Notes the unfortunate loss of over fifty lives, including those of passengers of a coaster bus, on 1 July 2019 at Ahumbe Community along Makurdi-Aliade Road in Gwer-East LGA of Benue State when a fuel tanker fully laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) exploded after the tanker fell over on its side allegedly, while trying to avoid a pothole, with dozens of other victims sustaining third degree burns and were rushed to several hospitals within the vicinity for treatment;

Also notes the dilapidated state of Federal roads traversing Benue State like the Makurdi-Naka-Adoka-Ankpa road and the Makurdi- Aliade-Otukpo-9th Mile road which are the main roads linking the Southern and Northern parts of Nigeria but have become impassable death traps for decades;

Aware that while contract for the rehabilitation of Makurdi-Naka-Adoka-Ankpa Road has been awarded, even though there is no sufficient provision in the 2019 Budget for work to commence, no progress has been made on the rehabilitation of the Makurdi-Aliade-Otukpo-9th Mile Road where the accident occurred;

Concerned about the huge cost of treatment of the victims, while commending the Benue State Government for agreeing to bear the immediate hospital bills, however the full cost in the long run might be too much for the State to bear, hence the need for the Federal Government and related industry operators to do more about providing assistance to victims in such circumstances and enlightening the citizens about the dangers associated with spilled petroleum products;

Also concerned at the recurrence of the incidents across the country and wonders whether the regulatory authorities do ensure that those very inflammable contents of fuel tankers are properly contained in the event of an accident and if the drivers of those tankers are qualified to drive such cargo and have been trained in immediate safety precautions, especially in populated areas;

Resolves to:

(i) Observe a minute of silence in honour of the victims of the explosion;

(ii)​urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), industry operators and related regulatory authorities to provide relief materials and medical treatment for the victims and other affected members of the community;

(iii) ​also urge the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to cause a Supplementary Budget to be made that would include adequate funds for the commencement of work on the Makurdi-Naka-Adoka-Ankpa road and also to make provision in the 2020 budget estimates for the continuation/completion of rehabilitation of the road;

(iv) further urge the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to include funds in the 2020 budget estimates for rehabilitation of the Makurdi-Aliade-Otukpo-9th Mile road;

(v)​ set-up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the cause of the incident with a view to proffering solutions and preventing recurrence in other parts of the country and report back within two (2) weeks for further legislative action.

1. ​Need to Address Traffic Gridlock in Apapa:
   Hon. Egberongbe Mufutau Adewale.
   The House:

Notes that on Wednesday, 22 May, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari set up a Presidential Taskforce to be chaired by Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN to resolve the traffic gridlock on the Lagos/Apapa Expressway;
Also notes that the Presidential Taskforce, in collaboration with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA); the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); the Truck Transport Union as well as other law enforcement agencies commenced removal of all trucks/trailers on the road;
Aware that Apapa Port was designed to accommodate 33 million metric tons of goods per day, but currently, it is processing not less than 80 million metric tons which was overstretched its infrastructure, thereby resulting in an overarching traffic situation leading to loss of valuables by motorists to armed robbers;
Also aware that experts have cautioned that citing Tank Farms, which are highly combustible, in residential areas poses major threat to lives and properties of the residents;
Acknowledges that the Task Force is steadily clearing the gridlock by regulating the entry of trucks into the road and its environs, but fashioning a long term solution that would create an efficient and friendly management regime in the area that will pave way for economic activities to thrive, may take a longer time to achieve;
20​​​​​​Tuesday 9 July, 2019​​​​​ No. 6
Cornered that in spite of the efforts being made by the Presidential Taskforce, truck drivers still park indiscriminately on the expressway, thereby undermining the laudable efforts of the government and adversely affecting the socio-economic activities of the area which does not have an alternative route for transporting goods from the ports to other parts of the country;
Cognizant of the need for additional truck parks and parking bays in Lagos as well as the commencement of electronic call-up system that would ameliorate the hardship at the port area;
Acknowledges that opening other seaports in Badagry and Lekki Free Trade Zone would help to decongest the ports in Lagos and re-introduction of electronic cargo tracking machines and modern scanners to track goods before arrival, will also help in achieving the desired results;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge all stakeholders especially the leadership of the Truck Owners /Drivers, to comply with the directives of the Presidential Taskforce in its efforts to ease the traffic gridlock on Apapa Expressway;

(ii) also urge the Nigeria Customs Service to re-introduce the electronic cargo tracking machines and modern scanners to ease cargo movement in the ports to decongest the Apapa Port;
(iv)​further urge the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to rejuvenate the domestic refineries, invest in new ones and relocate the Tank Farms from Apapa to other areas;
(iii) equally urge the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that alternative means of transporting goods such as railway and waterway are given urgent attention to assist in the movement of goods in and out of the Port and ensure that palliative measures are carried out on the dilapidated road linking the Apapa/Oshodi Expressway and the Tin Can and Coconut axis;

(iiii) Mandate the Committee on Land Transport (when constituted) to ensure compliance.

3.​ Urgent Need to Incorporate June 12 Struggle in History Curriculum of Schools in Nigeria:
Hon. Olumide Babatunde Osoba:

The House:

Notes that the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, recently recognized June 12 as Democracy day in Nigeria;

Aware that June 12 has never featured in History Curriculum of Nigerian Schools because it was never recognized by previous Federal Governments in Nigeria;

Worried that if the importance of June 12 struggle to the emergence of the Fourth Republic in Nigeria’s political history is not highlighted, the story could be distorted for the younger generations;

Desirous of incorporating the June 12 struggle in History curriculum to afford the younger generations information on its importance in Nigeria’s Political History;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Education to incorporate June 12 struggles in the History Curriculum in Nigeria’s schools;

(ii) Mandate the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services (when constituted) to ensure compliance.

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Rep. Dr. Simon Mwadkwon Sponsors 3 Additional Bills at Reps Plenary Today