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Tag: House of Representatives

  • Reps urge Fed Govt to suspend 30 % export grant

    Reps urge Fed Govt to suspend 30 % export grant

    The House of Representatives has advised the Federal Government to suspend the issuance of 30 per cent Export Expansion Grant (EEG) to exporters.

    The government was to resume the grant that was suspended by former President Goodluck Jonathan due to abuses it was subjected to at the time. Abuse had earlier led former President Olusegun Obasanjo to investigate the scheme which led to the refund of billions of naira by culpable exporters.

    The lawmakers however said the suspension of the scheme was to avoid substantial loss of revenue to the government without achieving the objectives outlined in the policy since it was not properly administered in the past.

    They said the suspension became imperative because the  Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah has met with over 200 exporters to herald the resumption of the sheme this month.

    The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion by Sadiq Ibrahim (APC, Adamawa), who recalled that the scheme was intensely investigated by a Committee headed by the late Waziri Mohammed during the administration of President  Obasanjo, following which some exporters were made to refund billions of naira to the government coffers.

    “Rather than boosting exportation of goods, the scheme created more naira billionaires who specialised in exploiting the inherent weaknesses of the scheme to the detriment of genuine exporters,” Ibrahim said.

    Expressing concern about lifting the suspension without proper investigation to identify areas of weaknesses and block them, the lawmaker said the nation could again witness very serious incidents of revenue shortfalls as the certificates are used only for the payment of customs duties.

    “Only last week, the Senate passed a resolution to investigate the loss of revenues generated by the Nigerian Customs Service despite the fact that the Service no longer receive EEG certificate for revenue payment,” he said.

    The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by  Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

  • Reps move to separate AGF’s office and Minister of Justice

    Reps move to separate AGF’s office and Minister of Justice

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday, moved to separate the office of Attorney-General of the Federal (AGF) from that of Minister of Justice.

    The move followed the second reading of a Bill for an Act to alter the 1999 Constitution to introduce the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation separate from the Minister of Justice.

    Presenting the Bill, Rep Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), said that if passed, it would emphasise the independence of the AGF’s office and ensure it was not subjected to political consideration.

    Monguno said that separation of the AGF’s office would allow for effective separation of power, adding that the two offices would be given the necessary environment to function optimally.

    Monguno said, “The Attorney-General of the Federation, being the Chief Law Officer is empowered in Section 150 and 195 respectively of the 1999 Constitution to enter nolle prosequi.’’

    Nolle prosequi is an entry on the record of a legal action that denotes that the prosecutor or plaintiff will proceed no further in an action of the suit either as a whole or as to some count or as to one or more of several defendants.

    The lawmaker added that ‘’The power can only be exercised if the office is free from any political interference.

    “The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation is such an office that should be seen to be Independent and not be subjected to some political consideration,

    “His appointment should be seen to meet some standard in the legal profession.

    “The fact that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) performs some quasi-judicial functions hence, the need for the office to be separated from the Minister of or Commissioner for Justice.”

    According to him, the AGF is the Chief Law Officer of the federation and advises the government whether at the federal or state levels on matters relating to law generally.

    “Whereas, the office of the Minister of or Commissioner for justice is political in nature, if read alongside other ministers or commissioners.

    Monguno further advised that the office of the AGF should be based on merit and competence and the National Judicial Council be involved.

    “It should be shielded from the vicissitudes of political influence”.

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, referred the Bill to the Special Adhoc Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action.

  • Reps to investigates death of youth corps members

    Reps to investigates death of youth corps members

    The House of Representatives is to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of six youth corps members during the year as a result of health related issues.

    Consequently, the Director General (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brig. General Sule Kazaure will appear before an ad hoc Committee of the House to brief the lawmakers on the circumstances that led to the avoidable deaths at the Orientation camps.

    The investigation was also to ensure that appropriate sanctions were given to NYSC officials or Corps members found culpable of negligence for the death of the corps members.

    The lawmakers have also urged the Federal government, in collaboration with State governments to establish permanent orientation camps fully equipped with medical facilities in all states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The Federal government was also urged to make provision for the permanent Orientation camps in the 2017 budget.

    In addition, the lawmakers urged the Federal government to provide health insurance scheme for corps members during the service year.

    The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of two motions on the death of Miss Ifedolapo Oladepo and others at orientation camps.

    Olufemi Fakeye  (APC, Osun), in his motion regretted that  Oladepo, a 26 years old first class graduate of Aviation and Transport Management of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology died as a result of inadequate medical facilities at the Kano State Orientation camp and the refusal of camp officials to provide instant medical attention for her when she complained of health challenges.

    “She was even frogged-jumped by camp officials for reporting late for the morning parade when she resumed at the camp.

    “But this was an exhausted lady who stayed in the commercial vehicle that took her to Kano because of the time she got to there before proceeding to the  Orientation camp in the morning.

    “On getting to the camp, she was marched straight for registration.

    “She fell sick a few days and she reported her condition to the camp authorities immediately but the officials did not believe her thinking that she feigned the sickness in order to dodge the routine strenuous exercises which is part of camp activities,” he said. 

    According to the lawmaker, it was too late for Oladepo by the time medical assistance eventually came when she was given placebo and injected with some substances that led to rashes all over her body and got her tongue twisted.

    On his part, Olabode Ayorinde (APC, Ondo) said all Orientation camps in the country require immediate attention while wondering how armed robbers could attack Zamfara for two hours.

    He expressed disappointment about a situation where armed security personnel manning orientation camp gates would not allow parents access to their children without being embarrassed while armed robbers would, ironically have two hours to operate without hindrance.

    He said there was serious health crisis in most orientation camps that requires urgent attention.

    The Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, who recalled that six death occurred in orientation camps across the country in 2016 due to health related factors, however noted that an unfit corps member would find the rigours of camp routines difficult to keep up with.

    The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

  • Reps begin move to separate AGF from Justice Minister’s office

    Reps begin move to separate AGF from Justice Minister’s office

    …Bill scales second reading

    The House of Representatives has began a constitutional process of separating the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Attorney General of State from the office of Minister or Commissioner of Justice.

    The lawmakers said the powers of the AG, who is the chief law officer of the Federation or the State were too enormous for the officer to be burdened with the functions of the Justice Ministry.

    As a result, a bill for an Act to alter the constitution to introduce the office of the Attorney General of the Federation distinct and separate from the Minister of Justice successfully scaled second reading on the floor of the House Tuesday.

    Sponsor of the bill, Muhammad Monguno (APC, Borno) cited Section 150 of the constitution that created the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation ( AGF ) and Minister of Justice while Section 159 created the office of the Attorney General of State and Commissioner for Justice.

    “From these arrangements, these two offices merged together and being operated by one person.

    “The AG is the chief law officer whether of the Federation or the State and advises the government on matters relating to law generally, whereas, the office of the Minister or Commissioner of Justice is political in nature if read alongside other Ministers or Commissioners.

    “The office of the Attorney General is such that should be seen to be independent and not subjected to some political consideration and the appointment should be seen to meet some standards in legal profession.

    “The fact being that the Attorney General performs some quasi-judicial functions hence the need for the office to be separated from the office of the Minister or Commissioner for Justice.

    “The Attorney General being the Chief Law officer is empowered in Sections 150 and 195 of the constitution respectively to enter nolle proseque.
    “The power can only be exercised if the office is free from any political interference.

    “The separation of power would further allow for effective separationof power, as the two offices would be given the necessary environment to function optimally,” Monguno said.

    The bill.was refered to the special ad hoc Committee on the review of the constitution.

  • Who replaces Shaibu in House of Representatives?

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to declare the seat of the Estako Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives vacant. This is because the previous occupant of the seat, Hon Philip Shaibu, is now the deputy governor of the state, following the election of Godwin Obaseki in the September 28 poll.
    A date has not been fixed for the election, but some political heavy weights in Estako, especially in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), are not leaving anything to chance in the race to replace Shaibu in the National Assembly. They have started campaigning.
    The aspirants turned the grand reception organised for former Governor Adams Oshiomhole by leaders of Edo North Senatorial district to campaign. they recruited women, drummers and youths to carry their banners and posters to dance round the field where the event took place.
    In front of Oshiomhole’s country home at Iyamho, aspirants have hung their campaign posters on the fence. The purpose is apparently to seek the support of Oshiomhole.
    The three local government areas that make up Estako Federal Constiuency are Estako East, Estako West and Estako Central local government areas. Of these three, Estako West has the highest population and voting strength. It was the votes from Estako West that gave the APC victory in last year’s general election. Shaibu and Senator Francis Alimekhena won the polls.
    Shaibu hails from Estako West, Senator Alimekhena hails from Estako East and it is expected that the House of Representatives member to replace Shaibu should be from Estako Central.
    Among the aspirants jostling to replace Shaibu in the APC are Bless-ing Agbonmhere, John Akhigbe, Johnson Oghuma, Luqman Mohammend, Joseph Ugheoke, and Akhigbe Kelvin.
    Agbomhere first attempt at seeking elective office in Edo was when he contested for the APC governorship primaries He got only five votes and was the first to congratulate the winner, Godwin Obaseki. Agbomhere campaign title for the by-election is ‘Mr Bee’ and he has intensified grassroots campaigns by organising empowerment programme for youths in the locality through training on the use of social media to boost businesses.
    Agbomhere urged the people to put aside public sentiment and focus on productivity.
    He said: “Even the worst among my critics have agreed that my vibrancy, courage and commitment to Estako development has put me ahead all the contestants. Let us make our voice heard to bring home national projects and programmers for the good of all Estako people.”
    John Akhigbe was a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Oshiomhole on Protocol. His campaign posters are visible across the three local government areas appealing for support to replace Shaibu. He told newsmen that the type of education and experience he garnered working under Oshiomhole has given him the boost above other aspirants.
    Johnson Oghuma was a former member of the House of Assembly. His attempt to go the House of Representatives failed as he could not scale through the party primaries. Oghuma is perceived to be favoured to clinch the replacement ticket owing to the role he played when leadership crisis rocked the House of Assembly after a failed attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers to oust former Speaker Uyi Igbe.
    Luqman Mohammend is also a former lawmaker in the House of Assembly. He came second at the party primary that threw up Shaibu as the flag bearer. His close associates said Luqman might kicked against any attempt by the party to conduct fresh primary. It was gathered that he has been lobbying for him to be considered for Shaibu’s replacement since he came second at the primaries.
    Donald Oiboh is a former Commissioner for Land and Survey under Oshiomhole. He left the APC for the PDP after he lost the primary. He is among the many aspirants jostling to contest under the PDP ticket.
    A son of former Governor Oshiomhole, Cyril, is also said to be interested in the race to succeed Shaibu.
    The APC Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, said the responsibility of selecting a candidate lies with the national leadership of the party. He said the State leadership will wait for directives on whether to conduct fresh primaries or not.
    the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare said many persons have indicated interest to contest under the PDP. He said fresh primaries would be conducted to pick the party’s candidate

  • Reps urge FG to revive textile industries

    The House of Representatives, Thursday called on the Federal Government to immediately ensure the revival of the textile industries in Kaduna and Kano States

    The call was sequel to a motion brought under matters of urgent national importance by Hon. Sunday Katung (PDP-Kaduna), which was adopted by the House.

    Katung while moving the motion, said  KadunaTextile limited which is one of the oldest mills in the country and was established in 1957 was shut down in 2002 with its over 7,000 employees laid off.

    The lawmaker expressed concern that there were local textile companies trying to keep up with various designs and fabrics in the Nigerian market.

    According to him, there was still a wide gap that needed to be filled in the industry, saying “it is undeniable that the lost glory is yet to be restored.

    He further said: “It is hard to believe that the Nigerian textile industry once occupied an enviable spot of being the third largest in Africa.

    “The industry also generated as much as 2 billion dollars annually with a capacity of producing over 1.4 billion pieces of textile product.”

    Hon.  Abubakar Amuda-Kannike (APC-Kwara) while supporting the motion said that Chinese Companies should be encouraged to invest in the Nigerian textile industry.

    “We need foreign companies to come into Nigeria and help our textile industry to improve foreign earnings,” he said.

    Another member, Tahir Monguno (APC-Borno), said that one of the major source of income for the country was the textile industries and its revival would do the country a lot of good.

  • 2017 Budget will be passed in good time – Saraki

    2017 Budget will be passed in good time – Saraki

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Thursday promised that the 2017 Budget will be passed in good time, unlike the experiences with past budgets.

    President Mohammadu Buhari is expected to lay the proposal before the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives for consideration.

    Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Saraki said that much consultations have been carried out on the soon to be presented 2017 Budget proposals.

    According to him, the National Assembly is ready to receive the President as soon as communication is received from the Executive.

    He also said that the issues concerning the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) will soon be resolved.

    He said: “We are ready. Once the document comes to us, we are ready. I think this time around, a lot of work has taken place behind the scene, there is a lot of more collaboration and you will see the result of that in the time frame it will take after the president will have presented it.

    “I came for consultation with the President on a number of national issues. We are all getting towards the end of the year, getting the budget. Just regular consultation,” he stated.

    On MTEF, he said: “That is still a work in progress. I am sure that very soon, that matter will be concluded. But I am very optimistic that this year’s budget will be passed much more sooner than what we saw in the past.”

    Asked if he can give details about the budget, he said: “Well, I haven’t seen the details until the president lays it. I am sure within the next ten days, it will be presented

    He maintained that the decamping of a lawmaker on the floor of the Senate was democracy at work.

    “It is democracy at work. The opposition party has its views about the defection of a senator to the APC. Normalcy has been restored to the house and we are one family again,” he said.

  • FG urged to encourage large scale palm oil production

    FG urged to encourage large scale palm oil production

    The Federal Government has been urged to encourage large-scale palm oil production for export in order to boost the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

    This call was made by the House of Representatives in a resolution following the adoption of a motion titled “Need for Revival of Large Scale Production of Palm Oil in Nigeria”, sponsored by Rep. Emmanuel Akpan (PDP-Akwa Ibom).

    Moving the motion, Akpan said in view of the downturn in Nigeria’s economy, there was a need for the country to diversify into agriculture especially palm oil production.

    He said that diversification would earn the country foreign exchange as the product was in high demand all over the world.

    Akpan said state governments, particularly the palm oil producing zones, needed to provide necessary incentives for private investors to establish oil palm plantations.

    “If the smallholders presently producing about 80 per cent of the country’s palm oil and the large scale investors are provided with needed incentives, there will be an increase in palm oil production for local consumption.

    “This will also facilitate the creation of employment for thousands of youths and boost in export to improve foreign exchange earnings’’, he said.

    Rep. Chris Azubogu (PDP-Anambra), said the motion was a wake-up call for the Federal Government to act fast in diversifying the economy.

    Rep. Abubakar Kanike (APC- Kwara), said Nigeria should look beyond theory on how to diversify the country’s economy.

    “We need to focus on cash crops if we want to alleviate unemployment in the country”, Kanike said.

    He decried the country’s neglect of palm produce, saying that the gains of palm production were as important as crude oil.

    “The palm produce are used for making soap and other useful items.

    “It is embarrassing for the country to import palm oil from Sierra Leone and other countries when we have the palm trees and fertile land’’, he said.

    The House, while adopting the motion, mandated its committees on agricultural production and services, and commerce, to ensure implementation and report back within eight weeks for further legislative action.

  • Reps want fuel sold at N70 per litre

    Reps want fuel sold at N70 per litre

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Petroleum Products Prices Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to review the current price template for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with a view to reducing the price to N70.

    This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep. Abubaker Fulata titled “Urgent Need to Review the Petroleum Price Template”.

    Moving the motion, Fulata expressed dismay over the circulating rumour of a possible hike in the price of petrol in the country.

    Although the rumour was denied by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Fulata said it was coming at a time when the nation is going through difficult times.

    According to him, the hard times are occasioned by dwindling revenues, high inflation rate, unemployment and general fall in the standard of living of many Nigerians.

    The lawmaker noted that the current template for the price of PMS could be reviewed downwards without affecting the profit margin of marketers and transporters.

    The review would also contribute to reducing the current inflationary trend in the economy.

    “I am aware that the current cost of freighting PMS stands at N109.1, Lightering expenses N4.56, Nigeria Ports Authority charges N0.84, NIMASA charges N0.22, Financing N2.51 and Jetty put charges at N0.60.

    “Storage charges N2.00, retailers margin N6.00, transport allowance N3.36, dealers margin N2.36, bridging fund N6.20 and marine transport average put at N0.15 bringing the total cost to N137.81,” he said.

    He further informed the House that the landing cost of PMS remained at N119.74, while the distribution cost and margins of marketers stood at N18.37.

    “Thus, the total of both the landing and distribution costs is N138.11, while marketers are allowed to sell the product within the range of N140 and N145 per litre.

    Fulata further noted that over 90 per cent of the current price of PMS in the country is accounted for by transport related charges at N124.34 out of N138.11.

    According to him, foreign vessels charge higher for lifting the PMS because Nigerian carriers which were supposed to lift 50 per cent of the products lack the capacity to do so.

    He faulted the NPA’s inability to dredge the ports despite collecting N0.84 for every litre of petrol thereby costing Nigerian users the sum of N4.56 for every litre of petrol they buy.

    “Bridging is supposed to be an annual event only when refineries are carrying out their turn around maintenance which should not exceed three months.

    “However, due to the fact that pipelines linking the various depots have been vandalised or in a state of disrepair, bridging has remained a permanent feature of the oil industry in Nigeria,’’ he said.

    He said that if the pipelines linking the various depots and refineries could be fixed and secured, the bridging fund could be reduced to N2.00 per litre instead of the current N6.20.

    “Also a realistic template would bring down the price of petrol to N70.04,” he added.

    The House therefore urged the NPA to dredge all harbours within a period of one year to enable ships dock in them.

    House also set up an ad-hoc committee to interface with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources on the review of the price of PMS and such related matters and report back within weeks for further legislative action.

  • Judge’s arrest: Reps threaten Malami with warrant of arrest

    Judge’s arrest: Reps threaten Malami with warrant of arrest

    …As ICPC backs DSS

     

    The House of Representatives has threatened to issue bench warrant of arrest against the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami if he fails to appear before its investigative panel next Tuesday.

    According to Garba Datti, who chairs ad hoc Committee investigating cases of invasion of property and arrest of persons for reasons outside the general duties of the State Security Services as prescribed by the National Securities Act, since 29th May, 2015, the AGF has refused to honour the Committee’s invitation twice while also declining  to make official submission to the Committee.

    Datti said: “The only area we are having problem is the AGF who is the Chief law officer. We sent letters to him, no answer and no memorandum from him. Before the public hearing, we had summoned him even today (Thursday), he did not appear or sent any representation.

    “This Committee is disturbed by the non-appearance of the AGF. We have given him the opportunity to appear on Tuesday (next week) 29th November, failure of which this Committee will invoke all the relevant laws that give us power for arrest.”

    However, while the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) said the SSS has not erred by the search and alledged arrest of the  judicial officers, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that it was not involved in the alleged searh and arrest of the judges.

    The EFCC however disclosed that it was also investigating some judicial officers.

    ICPC Chairman, Nta  Ekpo Nta backed his asertion with legal instruments, saying,  “Section 3(1) of the SSS instrument I of 1999 provides that: “For the purpose of facilitating the discharge of its functions under these instrument, personnel of the State Security Services are hereby conferred with the powers of Superior Police officer in respect of searches and
    arrest.”

    “Likewise, section 3 (2b) of the SSS Instrument I of 1999 provides that in the execution of its functions set out in the Instrument, the SSS shall have power to “impound and keep in its custody the passports or any other property of persons or organizations under investigation if considered appropriate by the Director-General.”

    On his part,  EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, who was represented by Johnson Ojogbana, Assistant Director (Prosecution) said his agency was empowered to initiate investigation of individual, organisation or any judges including public or political office holders.

    According to him, the anti-graft agency’s statutory powers include investigation and prosecution of all financial and economic crimes and any form of fraud, narcotic drug and trafficking, money laundering, embezzlement, bribery, looting and any form of corrupt malpractices.

    “I can say that EFCC was not involved in that wee hours operation. We have been investigating some judges and our modus operandi have been painstaking. We have not investigated all of them (judges), a few of them filed petitions and investigations are ongoing,” he said.

    While noting that complaints against the incidence should not be equated with opposition to the anti-corruption fight, Ojogbana said it was the methodology employed that was questioned.

    “There is a way to do something good and it becomes bad. It is the duty of the committee to review procedures of operations of the security agencies to be in line with the democratic tenets,” he added.