Tag: Reps

The House of Representatives on Thursday, September 26, resolved to investigate bribery allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), made by social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.

This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Patrick Umoh, representing the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State.

During the session, Umoh expressed his concern about the viral post by VeryDarkMan implicating both the NCS and EFCC in corrupt practices.

He said: “The publication alleges that the EFCC dropped money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky upon collection of the sum of N15,000,000.

“The publication alleges that Idris Okuneye, upon conviction for abuse and defacing of the Naira, by the court, did not serve his time at the Nigeria Correctional Service, but was lodged outside the confines of the service.

Read Also: Reps urge FG to mitigate effect of Borno flood on teaching hospital

“We are disturbed about the damning allegations against Nigerian critical law enforcement agencies-the EFCC and the NCS established by these hallowed chambers to fight correction and incarcerate persons convicted of a crime for correctional purposes respectively.”

The resolution was adopted, and it was later submitted to the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary session.

The committee is to report to the House within three legislative weeks for further action.

The House of Representatives has ordered its committee on Healthcare Services to investigate allegations of gross inefficiency in the operation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and recommend ways of making the scheme more efficient and effective for the Nigerian people.

This followed a motion by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori (PDP, Adamawa) alleging extremely poor service from Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) as well as private and public healthcare facilitates.

The lawmaker said that the National Health Insurance Act (NHIA) 2022, which replaced the National Health Insurance Scheme Act, seeks to promote, regulate, and integrate health insurance schemes, secure mandatory health insurance for every Nigerian and legal resident, and establish a fund for subsidy on health insurance coverage for vulnerable persons and payment of health insurance premiums for indigents.

He said that since the passage of the National Health Insurance Act of 2022, the scheme has enjoyed the cooperation of the National Assembly in terms of annual budgetary allocations for it to perform optimally in delivering its mandate to Nigerians, with the primary objective to ensure affordability of health care for all, especially the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

He alleged that enrollees in urban and semi-urban settlements have received extremely poor service from Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs), both private and public healthcare facilitates, which is distressing given the harsh reality that Nigerians are faced with the removal of fuel subsidy and other economic policies of the government.

He said further that the attitude of medical personnel and healthcare service providers treats enrollee patients as trash, subjecting Nigerians to unnecessary delay with the aim of frustrating patients from accessing services while the HMOs smile to bank monthly for services poorly rendered, a situation many Nigerians describe as dehumanizing and fraudulent.

He said further that some enrollees have recently chosen to pay in full for medical services in establishments other than the HMO they subscribed to, to avoid needless stress and harassment that characterize the enrollee patients like beggars devoid of human dignity and respect;

He said such a scenario could further undermine Nigerians’ trust in the programme if left unchecked considering how crucial a healthy population is to the country’s productivity. The purportedly dehumanising treatment of enrollees and the regular out-of-stock or shortage of necessary medications and consumables in the majority of HMOs require an investigation.

Read Also: Reps urge FG to mitigate effect of Borno flood on teaching hospital

He expressed concern that wherever possible, enrolled patients are made to purchase out-of-stock drugs and consumables outside; they often do so without a refund or any form of compensation from the HMOs, which raises questions about the integrity of the scheme.

He is worried about the growing allegations of abysmal service expressed by Nigerians with different unpleasant accounts of frustrations and dehumanised treatments in various HMOs across the nation;

He said that unchecked behaviour of this kind would amount to fraud and a gross disservice to the Nigerian citizens on whose behalf the government is funding the programme, as well as further eroding the citizens’ faith in the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Health to critically intervene in mitigating the adverse effect of the devastation of the flood in Borno state on the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

It urged the Federal Ministry of Power to promptly restore electricity to the hospital and take additional measures to intervene in mitigating the disaster.

The House directed all relevant sectors concerned to ensure the insurance of all medical equipment and infrastructure in Nigerian tertiary hospitals.

The House urged the Committees on Health Institutions, Power, Renewable Energy, Insurance and Actuaries Matters, and Legislative Compliance to ensure strict compliance.

These resolutions followed a motion of urgent importance moved by Hon Amos Magaji on Wednesday.

The House noted that on September 10, 2024, the Alau dam in Borno state overflowed due to heavy rainfall, resulting in major floods in and around Maiduguri.

Read Also: Ahmadu Bello Foundation donates N20m to Borno flood victims

The deluge, it said, severely affected houses, markets, fields, livestock, and several health facilities.

The House said the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital suffered extensive damage due to the flooding, making it inoperable and inaccessible to the public and displaced victims in need of tertiary medical care.

It further noted that the renowned Cancer Centre in the facility, which is lauded as one of the largest in the country, was submerged in the flood, thereby damaging all high-end equipment in the centre.

The House said wards at the lower level of the facilities were also severely flooded, including all medical records, administrative records, and files, amongst many other things destroyed.

The House said it was aware that the electricity power supply in the facility had devastatingly collapsed, largely due to precautions taken to avoid electrocution, as transformers and other power sources in the facility were also submerged in the flood.

It was concerned that if no urgent intervention is made to address the devastation of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the people of Borno State are at great risk of succumbing to any disease outbreak resulting from the flooding.

The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 25, described the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo state as the biggest theft of the season.

The Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, came a distant third with a little above 22,000 votes, but the caucus said he was rigged out by those they described as enemies of democracy in the country

Addressing a news conference on behalf of the caucus, Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi however said that as a law-abiding, they were consulting with all stakeholders on the next step, while expressing confidence in the judiciary to do what is right.

The caucus called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do everything possible to save the nation’s democracy, insisting that incidences of vote buying, and intimidation among others marred the election in the state.

He said: “The Labour Party presented the best candidate in the election, who was brazenly rigged out of the process. Our candidate, Barr. Olumide Akpata, a renowned legal professional and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, garnered significant support from the electorates, but enemies of democracy thwarted his efforts and excellent standing in the election.

Read Also: Edo poll: Peter Obi is a serial complainer – APC

“It is on record that our leader and presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi campaigned vigorously for our gubernatorial candidate in every nook and cranny of the state.

“Of course, the whole world witnessed the massive crowd that the Obidient movement pulled wherever he went during the campaign. Yet; Barrister Akpata was allocated paltry votes in a state where LP just about a year and seven months ago had one Senator and two House of Representatives Members. Very disgraceful to the perpetrator of the crime.

“We are deeply concerned over the irregularities and alleged malpractices that marred the electoral process ranging from vote buying by the so-called big parties, intimidation of voters, mass thumb printing of ballot papers and pre-writing and alteration of election results, etc.

“This criminal enterprise aided by some elements of the state including security agents and even officials of the electoral umpire must be nipped in the bud and must not be allowed to be replicated in any future election. Nigeria deserves a transparent electoral process devoid of any form of interference from agents of the state or any external force.

“To us, what transpired in Edo State on September 21, 2024, in the name of the governorship election is the highest theft of the season. The electorate was robbed of their votes and their will and wishes were dashed.

“We want to state without mincing words that the Labour Party is committed to democratic principles and will not stand idly by while the rights of our citizens are trampled upon.

“Furthermore, we urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure the integrity of future elections, particularly the 2027 polls.

“Obidient movement tsunami is coming person born of a woman will stop us. The Commission must work tirelessly to prevent similar discrepancies and uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Edo State and reassure them that we will continue to fight for their rights and interests.”

The House of Representatives has urged the Ecological Project Office, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to immediately begin the rehabilitation of the roads and bridges leading to the site of the ill-fated Bellview Boeing 737200 Airline Flight 210 from Lagos to Abuja.

The plane had crashed in Ogun state shortly after take-off from Lagos in 2005.

The House said they should embark on immediate road development, dredging/channelization, and construction of bridges across Awela and Alapako Bridges to allow families to visit the site and pay their respects.

Read Also: Tinubu writes Reps, submits supplementary budget proposal for FCTA

It mandated the Committees on Ecological Funds, Appropriations, and Aviation to make provisions in the 2025 budget estimate to address the infrastructure challenges and ensure safe site access for families of the deceased.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka on Wednesday.

The House noted that on 22 October 2005, the Bellview Airlines Flight 210, a scheduled Nigerian domestic passenger flight Boeing 737-200 airliner from Lagos to Abuja nose-dived and crashed at high speed a few minutes after take-off, killing all 117 passengers on board.

The House was concerned that families of the deceased could not pay their respects due to the dilapidated road and collapsed bridges at Awela and Alapako Rivers.

It was also concerned that families of the deceased passengers are unable to pay their normal laying of wreaths and prayers, because of the badly affected road and the collapsed bridges affected by flood and erosion at both the Awela and Alapako Rivers.

The House said it was a poignant reminder of the ongoing impact of that terrible event.

Constitution amendment, Electoral reform, issue of local government autonomy, and the passage of the whistle-blower protection law will take centre stage when the House of Representatives resumes plenary on Tuesday, September 24.

Spokesman of the House, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, said in a statement that the House will give accelerated passage to the constitutional amendment process and other critical bills before it.

He said so far, the House has received about 305 memoranda from Nigerians on constitutional amendment while processing about 150 Constitution Alteration Bills presented to parliament by members of the House reflecting significant public engagement and concern.

He said further that under Article 6.7 on Law Reform in our Legislative Agenda, the House will prioritise amending the Electoral Act 2022 to address gaps, including vague and contradictory provisions while stressing the commitment of the parliament to establishing a mechanism for periodic reviews of electoral laws to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with global best practices.

He disclosed that the groundwork for this process has already begun with a Citizen Town Hall on electoral reforms held by the House Committee on Electoral Matters in November 2023. As we resume, the House will build on these ongoing efforts to strengthen our electoral framework.

Rotimi said further that in light of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 on Local Government Autonomy, the House anticipates bills aimed at ensuring the consequential alignment of various extant laws with this new reality.

He said: “The 10th Assembly proposed several reforms for Nigeria’s local government councils, including constitutional changes to grant them financial and operational independence. This shift is essential for clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of local governments and preventing overlaps and conflicts.

“Further reforms will address electoral processes within local councils and clarify their roles in maintaining security at the grassroots level. These initiatives are crucial for empowering local governments and ensuring they effectively serve their communities.

“In consideration of recent policy statements from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the House anticipates an executive bill concerning Whistleblower Protection. This initiative aligns with our 8-Point Legislative Agenda, particularly aspects focused on strengthening good governance and improving national security.

Read Also: First Lady, a passionate, kindhearted leader, says Reps Deputy Speaker

“Efforts in this area promise to significantly boost the fight against corruption and improve Nigeria’s revenue streams. Several lawmakers in the 10th Assembly, including myself, have sponsored related bills that hold great potential not only for combatting corruption but also for enhancing national security.”

The statement reads: “On Tuesday, the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives will resume its weekly plenary sittings following the annual recess, which began late July. In line with parliamentary tradition, it is expected that the Speaker and presiding officer, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen will deliver an agenda-setting speech.

“Before the recess, the House presented its Performance Report for the First Session (June 13, 2023 – June 13, 2024), outlining key achievements and milestones since the 10th Assembly’s inauguration.

“According to the report, 679 motions were moved, 89 bills were passed, and 306 petitions were received from distressed Nigerians during the first session. Additionally, Members of the Green Chamber conducted oversight visits to 107 MDAs, averaging 0.9 visits per committee as of June 13, 2024.

“The annual recess in the legislative calendar serves as a vital opportunity for federal lawmakers to engage in extensive constituency outreach across the country. It also enhances the oversight of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as outlined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). During this time, Standing and AdHoc Committees conducted important hearings to address critical concerns.”

Rotimi said although the House wasn’t holding plenary sessions during the break, it utilised alternative avenues to address issues, adding that following the devastating floods in Maiduguri, Borno State, the House sent a delegation led by Hon. Ado Doguwa (APC, Kano) to the state with a donation on behalf of the House.

According to him, the House Committee on Rules and Business held a retreat, focusing on revalidating legislative manuals to ensure high-quality output which is crucial for refining our processes.

He said further that on resumption from the vacation, the House will prioritization and fast-tracking the passage of bills and motions that aligned with its commitments in the legislative agenda because they will serve as indicators by which Nigerians assess the 10th Assembly at the upcoming mid-term in June 2025.

He said also the House will inaugurate the board of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) as well as the Joint Senate/House Ad Hoc Committee on the Petroleum Industry Investigation, which aims to address challenges in the oil and gas sector.

He said: “Members will actively debate and pursue legislative action on pressing challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly those related to the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the spate of insecurity in the country, and the economy. These issues, among others of urgent national importance, will be prioritized as we respond to the needs of our constituencies.”

He said further that the House anticipates receiving the 2025 Appropriation Bill, adding that timely submission of the appropriation bill by the Executive is crucial, as it will facilitate thorough scrutiny and public input through Town Hall meetings.

He assured that the House is firmly committed to maintaining the January – December budget cycle and anticipates cooperation from the Executive in this regard.

He said in view of heightened public interest in the House’s efforts to ensure compliance with our resolutions on various subjects and the status of pending legacy reports, the leadership of the House leadership, alongside relevant committees, particularly the House Committee on Legislative Compliance, will intensify efforts to provide transparent answers and hold accountable those responsible for implementing motions and resolutions passed by the National Assembly.

He said the House is deeply committed to robust oversight, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs of Nigerian citizens. Through targeted legislative action and thorough review mechanisms, we are well-positioned to tackle pressing issues that enhance the well-being of our people.

He said: “As we resume sittings, we invite citizens to engage with their respective representatives and participate in discussions that shape our legislative priorities. This commitment not only reinforces our role in promoting good governance but also strengthens the democratic fabric of our nation. Together, we can work towards building a brighter future for all Nigerians.”

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards, Hon. Abubakar Gummi on Friday warned that only Health and Safety practitioners duely certified by the national executive committee of Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria will be recognised to practice in the country. 

The new executive of the Institute is to elected at its Annual General Meeting and unification conference scheduled to hold in Abuja between the 17th and 19th, October, 2024.

Hon. Gummi who addressed newsmen at the National Assembly complex on Friday said decision is based on agreement reached by members of the Caretaker Committee of the Institute put in place to unify the various factions by the National Assembly

He said when elected, the new Executive is expected to carry out fresh certifications of Health and Safety practitioners in the country after revalidation exercise which will be conducted, and new certificates will be issued to members. 

He said: “As you may know, ISPON was officially established in 2014 by an Act of the National Assembly. However, in 2016, issues surrounding elections and leadership transfers led to the division of ISPON into three factions, greatly reducing the institution’s activities.

“Despite efforts made by the Inspector General of Police, the American Society of Safety Professionals, the National Industrial Safety Council, the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, the Nigerian Airforce, the Nigerian Navy, and many well-meaning individuals to reconcile the factions, no results were achieved.

“In response to this, the National Assembly inaugurated a Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, which had as one of its primary objectives to unify ISPON for the benefit of promoting safety in Nigeria. 

“The committee gave all factions equal opportunities to address them, and a final meeting was organized to effect reconciliation.

“The outcome of this meeting was the creation of a Care Taker Committee (CTC) to conduct the affairs of organizing a conference and AGM to elect new executives to govern ISPON as a unified body. 

“All national leaders endorsed the communique in a joyous atmosphere, marking a new beginning for ISPON. Ladies and gentlemen, standing here with me are members of the Care taker committee elected by all the factions. 

“Some of them are past presidents and leaders of ISPON that have saved the institute indifferent capacities. Notably, Elder Shaw Fregene a distinguished gentleman that midwifed the bill that produced the act that established ISPON.

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“While some individuals may have chosen to withdraw from the process due to selfish reasons, we want to make it clear that no one is above the law, and no individual or group can hold the country to ransom for personal gain. 

“This conference will take place between October 17th and 19th, 2024 in Abuja.

It is imperative that every employer of labor in Nigeria takes note that after October 19th, a new executive will be elected to govern ISPON. 

“From that day forward, all HES (Health and Environmental Safety) practitioners must obtain the new ISPON certification to practice as stipulated by the ISPON Act of 2014. 

“The National Assembly will only recognize certifications issued by the new executives.

“A revalidation exercise will be conducted, and new certificates will be issued. We urge all stakeholders to cooperate with this process and support the unity of ISPON.”

The House of Representatives has shifted its resumption date by one week, spokesman of the House, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi has said.

The House, which was scheduled to resume from its annual vacation on Tuesday, September 17, shift resumption of plenary to  Tuesday, September 24, at 11.00am.

Rotimi said the decision to reschedule to resumption was communicated to members through an internal memo by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, based on the directive of the House Leadership.

No reason was given for the shift in the date of resumption.

Read Also: Reps to amend NIMET act to enhance efficiency

He announced that when the House reconvene, it will inaugurate the new board of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and the Joint Senate/House Ad Hoc Committees on the Petroleum Industry Investigation on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

He said that during the recess, Members engaged extensively in constituency outreach across the country, addressing critical issues of concern to constituents, and deepening oversight of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), in accordance with functions spelt out in the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and the House Standing Orders.

As the 10th Assembly resumes, it will continue to drive its Legislative Agenda, focusing on impactful reforms aimed at national development and fulfilling its mandate to the Nigerian people.

House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, has said it will host a national policy workshop in November.

Chairman, Afam Ogene, spoke in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.

He said the workshop: “Renew Nigeria: Unlocking Nigeria’s Energy Future”, will be co-hosted by Office of Speaker of House of Representatives, Abass Tajudeen, and others.

The statement announced appointment of Promise Amahah, chief executive officer of Green Clean Innovation Hub, as principal consultant to the committee for a three years.

Ogene said at the workshop, key stakeholders from within and outside, government, private sector, academia, and civil society would develop and refine policies to accelerate adoption and expansion of renewable energy in Nigeria.

Read Also: FG, ASUU meet Monday on outstanding demands

The workshop, he noted, “seeks to facilitate a multi-stakeholder dialogue on Nigeria’s renewable energy future; identify and address policy gaps hindering growth of renewable energy; develop a policy framework to drive renewable energy adoption; foster collaboration and partnerships to support renewable energy development; and enhance capacity and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

“By bringing together diverse stakeholders, Renew Nigeria aims to create a unified vision and roadmap for Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable and renewable energy-powered future,” Ogene said.

On the appointment of a consultant, the chairman said ”Amahah brings experience and expertise in renewable energy, having led successful initiatives at promoting sustainable energy solutions and climate-smart technologies. His leadership at Green Clean Innovation Hub advanced projects that align with our commitment to greener and more sustainable future.

“As principal consultant, Amahah will provide guid

…frowns at extra-budgetary spending by MDAs

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has said that government agencies must show value for money allocated to them from public resources, insisting that infractions will no longer be tolerated.

The committee also frowned at extra-budgetary spending by the agencies in contravention of financial regulations and no remittance of Internally Generated Revenue, while demanding proper accounting records from them.

Speaking at the commencement of a three-day oversight of government agencies in Lagos and investigative hearing, the chairman of the committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam said the committee was committed to ensuring that all agencies of government comply strictly with budgetary appropriations.

Salam said appropriate sanctions would be meted out to any agency discovered to have violated laid-down financial regulations

The committee addressed the ongoing issue of non-remittance of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

The committee queries the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye for engaging in extra-budgetary spending and the inability to adhere to financial regulations thereby contravening several sections of financial regulations.

The committee also frowned at the employment principle of the hospital, saying they failed to adhere to the federal character principle of sharing available job opportunities equitably across the geo-political zones of the country.

Read Also: Reps Minority Caucus: address insecurity

The committee asked the hospital management to account for contract sums of N422.3 million as well as the spending of N50.3 million on staff training.

The committee also queried the Lagos University Teaching Hospital over the non-remittance of IGR, the discrepancy in Remita payments amounting to over N2 billion, and extra-budgetary spending amounting to N150.3 billion in the period under review.

Responding to queries from the committee, the CMD said that the 500-bed facility which was established in 1907 is in urgent need of support to enable it to deliver on its mandate.

On his part, the Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Lanre Adeyemo said the hospital was undergoing some challenges that have made its operations very difficult, pointing out that, of all of such, the power supply has remained stubbornly outstanding.

Prof. Adeyemo said it cost the hospital over N181 million monthly to power the facility until a federal government intervention of 300 solar panels was deployed.

Both hospitals complained about personnel loss due to the “Japa syndrome” and untimely release of budgetary allocations to them and called on the committee to help them intervene in all their problems to enable them to live up to public expectations.

Other MDAs scheduled to appear before the committee includes: the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, NIMR; National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi; Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA); Nigerian Shippers Council, (NSC); Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA); Nigeria Railway Corporation, (NRC); Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, (CRFFN); amongst others.