Tag: Reps

The House of Representatives Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility, on Tuesday, June 25, threatened to issue warrants of arrest for telecom companies MTN and Airtel for failing to honour its invitation.

During a public hearing on a bill to regulate corporate social responsibility in Nigeria, Hon. Lillian Orogbu expressed regret that some companies have repeatedly violated the law, emphasizing the need for appropriate punishment.

She also said that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), MTN, and Airtel have consistently ignored the invitation of the committee hence the need to invoke its powers by issuing a warrant of arrest.

She said: “Section 89, 8 of the Constitution mandates individual companies as invited to make themselves available to parliament but they break the law and I want to tell you Sir, MTN Airtel they take so much from our nation and they feel too big to appear before the parliament we will not tolerate that.

“I want you as a regulatory body to organize those telecommunication companies where they will be meeting between this parliament and the telecommunication, we gave them the powers to operate in Nigeria so to refuse to honour the invitation of the parliament is a no, no, we take exception to it. The parliament is frowning at it and this is an opportunity to say clearly.

“If MTN is here and I have taken all friendly measures to make them understand the need to appear before the parliament but they have refused. If you feel you are responsible then you should appear before the parliament, we want you to be responsible and accountable they operate across the country and they have disrespected the same nation by not housing our invitation.

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“We want the committee to be socially responsible. If you are providing any social responsibility let us know what you are doing, all we want to know is what you are doing. We are not here to hunt any company.

“As a public affairs representative of NCC please reach out to these telecompanies and tell them to make themselves available, if they disrespect the parliament it doesn’t indicate in anywhere that they are responsible.

“Other companies show up, give account and we even go on oversight but NCC is one company that has given us problems insisting that they are in court that is not acceptable”.

In his presentation before the committee, a representative of the Central Bank, Wondi Ndanusa said that the CBN was in support of the bill, but raised concerns on the proposed penalty of imprisonment to defaulting companies.

He suggested that rather than the penalty, it should be persuasive because many companies are faced with a lot of financial burdens and responsibilities.

Declaring the hearing open, the Speaker of the House who was represented by the leader, Julius Ihobvere emphasized that the success of the legislative process is dependent on public response and contribution to the public hearing.

He called on stockholders to make meaningful contributions that will make the bill a reality.

 “Public hearing is part of our legislative process to engage the citizens in lawmaking, especially because the proposed law has impacts to make on the people.  Your robust ideas and expected contribution to the discourse will no doubt shape the outcome of this meeting.”

The House of Representatives is to hold a public hearing on a bill to regulate the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of companies operating in the country.

The public hearing on the bill titled “A Bill to Regulate Corporate Social Responsibility and Related Matters” (HB. 243), sponsored by Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, June 25.

A statement signed by the spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi said the event will be chaired by Hon. Lilian Orogbu (LP, Anambra) who is the chairperson of the House Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility, and will be declared open by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.

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Osoba who sponsored the bill said “This bill is a critical step towards ensuring that businesses in Nigeria are held accountable for their social and environmental impacts. It aims to promote ethical business practices and encourage companies to contribute positively to the communities in which they operate.”

The committee chairperson, Lilian Orogbu also emphasised the significance of this public hearing, saying, “This bill represents a crucial step towards ensuring that businesses in Nigeria are not only profitable but also contribute positively to the communities in which they operate. It is essential that we regulate corporate social responsibility activities to promote sustainable development and responsible business practices.”

The bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework for activities on corporate social responsibility in Nigeria, ensuring that businesses operate in a manner that not only upholds societal well-being but also fosters sustainability and responsibility in their operations.

Stakeholders, interested parties, and the public at large are invited to partake in this pivotal public hearing and contribute their invaluable perspectives to the discourse on this bill.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), has said that the House will provide all necessary resources and support to enhance the operational capabilities of the nation’s military, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle any security challenges that may arise.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, Benson said the House remained committed to supporting the nation’s Armed Forces in every possible way, adding that the House understand the importance of providing adequate resources and legislative backing to ensure the effectiveness of our military operations.

He said the National Assembly will continue to prioritize the welfare, training, and meeting the equipment needs of the troops to maintain their operational readiness and efficiency, while commending the Armed Forces for their remarkable achievements and steadfast dedication in recent times.

He said the successes recorded in various operations across the country underscore the bravery, professionalism and unwavering commitment of the military personnel to safeguarding the nation.

While highlighting the successes of the military in the past few years, Benson said the military has recorded victories against insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements that have threatened the peace and security of Nigeria.

He emphasised that these achievements are a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform, who tirelessly work to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians, saying “the recent successes of our Armed Forces in various operations across the country are highly commendable.

“These victories not only reflect the strategic prowess of our military leadership, but also the dedication and bravery of our soldiers, airmen, and ratings. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their relentless efforts to protect our nation,” he said. 

He said troops under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has continually delivered significant blows to terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Region through a series of daring operations. In one such operation conducted on 15 June 2024, several terrorists were neutralized and 34 women and children were rescued from insurgents.

“Additionally, in Abia State’s Ihechiowa community of Arochukwu Local Government Area the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have impressively intensified their efforts against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“Our troops raided and cleared IPOB/ESN camps in the Umudi Forest and Umuaku areas of Umunneochi Local Government Area (LGA), thereby liberating the communities from the clenches of miscreants and terrorists.

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“Similarly, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, the Chairman noted that the Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh discovered and deactivated an illegal refining site in the Isonogbene area of Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. This site contained unspecified quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO.

“This operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s proactive efforts to protect national assets and ensure the sustainable management of Nigeria’s natural resources.

“In addition, the Nigerian Air Force carried out impressive airstrikes on June 17, 2024, in Katsina State, resulting in the elimination of over 80 terrorists. These strikes, along with previous ones in various parts of the northwest and northeast, have significantly disrupted terrorist activities and enhanced the safety of several communities for their residents,” he stated. 

He reiterated the readiness of the legislative body to provide all necessary resources and support to enhance the operational capabilities of the military, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle any security challenges that may arise.

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has asked Nigerians to be

steadfast and resolute in playing their respective parts in ensuring the rebirth of a truly secular, progressive and egalitarian Nigerian society of our dreams.

In their Sallah message to Nigerian Muslims  by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley China, the caucus saluted the resilience of the people and expressed the confidence that God is on our side and that we shall collectively triumph in the end. 

The statement reads: “For ourselves, our families and constituents, we join several well meaning Nigerians to felicitate with Muslim faithfuls, particularly those in Nigeria, on the occasion of this year’s Eid-Mubarak celebrations.

“As a caucus, we are elated and most heartily rejoice with our Muslim brethren on this auspicious occasion which is celebrated globally.

“We urge our Muslim brethren to continue to exhibit the spirit of tolerance, forgiveness, self-sacrifice, mutual love for one another, kind disposition, good neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence with others, as demonstrated by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Unto Him).

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“Clearly, this is a most difficult and challenging time for us as a people as our dear country continues to grapple with governance, sociopolitical and economic realities occasioned by unprecedented poor living conditions and invidious government policies. 

“Indeed, our people are daily faced with realities of hunger, excruciating pain, poverty, several killings, abduction and kidnappings across the country. However, we hope and pray that this event will afford our muslim brethren the opportunity to continue to pray for the unity, peace and progress of our dear country, Nigeria.

“We urge our Muslim faithfuls and all Nigerians to remain firm, steadfast and resolute in playing their respective parts in ensuring the rebirth of a truly secular, progressive and egalitarian Nigerian society of our dreams.

“We are a resilient people and very confident that God is on our side and that we shall collectively triumph in the end. Once again, congratulations and happy Eid-Mubarak celebrations to our Muslim brethren”.

The House of Representatives said at the weekend that there was no bill before it seeking a return to regional government either as a private member bill or an executive bill.

Spokesman of the House, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi said in a statement that the proposal that has been circulating on social media is also not before the House Committee on Constitution Review as a memorandum.

Rotimi dismissed insinuations that the House rejected or disowned the bill, saying it neither disowned or rejected the proposal since it has never been presented before it in any form.

The statement said “the House wishes to reiterate its position, educating the public that there are three main routes to proposing constitutional amendments in the House of Representatives.

“Regarding the specific memo authored by Citizen Dr. Akin Fapohunda, the House maintains that his proposal has not come before the House Committee on Rules and Business for listing as a bill by any member, nor has it been submitted by way of memoranda to the House Committee on Constitution Review.

“To clarify the misinformation, the House states that contrary to inaccurate reports suggesting that the House “disowned the bill” or “rejected the bill,” the House has neither disowned nor owned the proposal.

“The position provided earlier was to inform the public that the proposal is not before the House for consideration at this material time.

“The House of Representatives encourages healthy and progressive debates on any subject and the exchange of ideas on how to improve our country.

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“However, the constitution review process has clearly defined guidelines and limitations, and involves a broad range of stakeholders to ensure that the collective will of the good people of Nigeria is reflected in the constitutional amendments underway.

“The legislative agenda of the 10th Assembly prioritizes inclusion and engagement. We are committed to facilitating a constitution review process that ensures all voices are heard. For more information, individuals and groups can contact the House Committee on Constitution Review at info@hccr.gov.ng or visit the website at www.hccr.gov.ng.

“We encourage the media to accurately report and frame public discourse in a way that promotes national cohesion. The document being circulated is not a bill, as it is not before parliament, and is, at best, a memo or proposal by a citizen”.

The House of Representatives said at the weekend that there was no bill before it seeking return to regional government either as a private member bill or an executive bill. 

Spokesman of the House, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, said in a statement that the proposal that has been circulating on the social media is also not before the House Committee on Constitution Review as a memoranda. 

Rotimi dismissed insinuations that the House rejected or disowned the bill, saying it neither disowned or rejected the proposal since it was never presented before it in any form. 

The statement explained “The House wishes to reiterate its position, educating the public that there are three main routes to proposing constitutional amendments in the House of Representatives”.

The routes, he said, include by a member proposing a constitutional amendment bill, by individual citizens and groups submitting memoranda to the Constitution Review Committee which should be submitted to the House and sponsored by a member as well as executive bill to be submitted by the executive arm of government.

The statement further stressed: “Regarding the specific memo authored by Citizen Dr. Akin Fapohunda, the House maintains that his proposal has not come before the House Committee on Rules and Business for listing as a bill by any member, nor has it been submitted by way of memoranda to the House Committee on Constitution Review.

“To clarify the misinformation, the House states that contrary to inaccurate reports suggesting that the House “disowned the bill” or “rejected the bill,” the House has neither disowned nor owned the proposal. 

“The position provided earlier was to inform the public that the proposal is not before the House for consideration at this material time.

“The House of Representatives encourages healthy and progressive debates on any subject and the exchange of ideas on how to improve our country. 

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“However, the constitution review process has clearly defined guidelines and limitations, and involves a broad range of stakeholders to ensure that the collective will of the good people of Nigeria is reflected in the constitutional amendments underway.

“The legislative agenda of the 10th Assembly prioritizes inclusion and engagement. We are committed to facilitating a constitution review process that ensures all voices are heard. For more information, individuals and groups can contact the House Committee on Constitution Review at info@hccr.gov.ng or visit the website at www.hccr.gov.ng.

“We encourage the media to accurately report and frame public discourse in a way that promotes national cohesion. The document being circulated is not a bill, as it is not before parliament, and is, at best, a memo or proposal by a citizen”.

The House of Representatives has said that despite the challenges facing the nation, Nigerians have demonstrated remarkable democratic resilience in navigating the challenges, overcoming obstacles, and adapting to changing circumstances.

In a statement signed the spokesman of the House, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, the House congratulate President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians across the world, on the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day and Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (1999 – present).

He said: “As we mark this significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable democracy, economic growth, and socio-political development, we reflect on our country’s progress. 

“Since independence, Nigeria has experienced periods of military rule, but the Fourth Republic has been the longest period of unbroken democratic governance.

“We have demonstrated remarkable democratic resilience by navigating challenges, overcoming obstacles, and adapting to changing circumstances. 

“Our country has witnessed seven electoral cycles, including the peaceful transfer of power between political parties, a testament to our enduring democratic stability.

“We acknowledge the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy and have built upon the foundations they laid. We have developed a more robust democratic culture, characterised by increased civic engagement, political participation, and tolerance. 

“The National Assembly, a symbol of democratic practice, has also played a pivotal role in safeguarding our democracy and consolidating our democratic gains.” 

In his congratulatory to Nigerians, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD said this year’s celebration is significant in the life of the National Assembly, as it also marks the one-year anniversary of the 10th Assembly inaugurated on June 13, 2023.

The Speaker who said that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria acknowledged that the country has been navigating through the learning curves successfully, saying “though it is not perfect yet, the country has continued to grow in democratic experience and practice,” he added.

He appeal to Nigerians across tribes and religions, genders and age groups, to continue to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the country, saying Nigeria promises to be a nation that the citizens would be proud of.

He stressed the commitment of the 10th House of Representatives to consolidating democracy through our Legislative Agenda on strengthening good governance, ensuring continued growth and development for our great nation.

The House of Representatives committee on public account has alleged mismanagement and breach of financial regulations in the disbursement and utilisation of about N1.32 trillion COVID 19 fund. 

In a report submitted to the House, the committee also alleged that some government agencies and private organisations that benefited from the funds used the money for purposes they were not meant for. 

The report which was submitted to the parliament at its plenary on Tuesday by the chairman, Hon. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) said some private airlines used the COVID-19 for their personal operations

While laying the report, Salam said the report which is the first volume covered the period between 2020-2022, adding that about 92 Ministries, Departments and Agencies were invited to appear before the committee following a motion adopted by House on October 17, 2023 alleging mismanagement of COVID-19 intervention funds.

The committee report which will be subject to intense consideration alleged that there was mismanagement, non-compliance, and outright violation of procurement laws and financial regulations by various MDAs and private sector beneficiaries of the fund. 

Quoting records from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the report gave a breakdown of inflows amounting N1.32tn

Out of the total inflow, about $3.4 billion (N1.28 trillion) was said to have been donated  by the International Monetary Fund as grant while the Federal Government’ intervention stood at N34.4 billion. 

In addition, it said was a general donation amounted to N6.09bn, while the China General Chamber of Commerce donated N48.12m, with N70 million and N50 million coming from 

the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board and  Remita E-payment platform respectively.

The document revealed that officials from the Ministry of Water Resources, the Federal Ministry of Finance, University Teaching Hospitals, Federal Medical Centres, Specialised Health institutions, the Rural Electrification Agency, among others appeared before the committee during the investigation.

The report read in part,”There were many cases of non-appearance, delayed appearance, non-submission of required documents and late submission of documents by some MDAs who got funds from the Federal Government COVID-19 intervention fund. 

“The Central Bank of Nigeria did not provide the required information on time despite several letters written by the Committee.

“There were several cases of deliberate refusal by some beneficiary entities to provide the certificates of no-objection issued to them by Bureau of Public Procurement on procurements during the pandemic for verification by the committee.

“There were several instances of unjustifiable delay in procurements by Chief Executive Officers contrary to provisions of the Procurement Act for which funds were released between 2020 and 2021, but yet to be completed till date.

“The committee observed that most of the private sector beneficiaries of the COVID-19 Intervention Funding used the funds for purposes other than those which they were approved by the disbursing MDAs.”

The report said further that some airline operators like Arik Air, Air Peace,  Dana Airline, Azman Air, MAX Air, Aero Contractors Overland, etc., and other subsidiary airport service providers used the funds provided for their normal course of operations rather than payment of staff salaries or maintenance of aircraft during the period of the shutdown. 

It said: “The airline operators also shun invitations to provide more information on the use of funds received from the Federal Government. A private airline operator (King Airlines and Travels Limited) which received a sum of N15m and kept the money in a dedicated account, has however offered to refund the money to the government. 

The report  said “Investigation also reveals that few of the MDAs diverted their COVID-19 intervention funds to different programmes/projects for which similar budgetary provisions had adequately been made in the Appropriation Acts for the period under review.

“Some Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals claimed to have refunded unspent balances of their funds to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission dedicated accounts without providing pieces of evidence of such refunds.”

The committee said it established instances of  “outright violation of the Procurement Act for works and services, Financial Regulations, violation of provisions of extant circulars on approval limits as well as unauthorized virement of funds by many MDAs.”

The House of Representatives has asked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately send relief materials to communities in Ekiti and Ondo state recently ravaged by rainstorm to alleviate the suffering of residents. S

The House also asked the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to collaborate with relevant state and local government agencies to undertake the reconstruction and repair of damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings in in Itapaji Ekiti (Ikole Local Government) and Omu/Ijelu (Oye Local Government) in Ekiti North 1 Federal Constituency.

They also asked the Niger Delta Development Commission and Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide palliative to the affected communities on short, medium and long-term basis to over 60,000 constituents were displaced in Ogbagi Akoko, Oyin Akoko, Okeagbe Akoko, Ugbe Akoko, and Ikare Akoko.

This followed two separate motions sponsored by Hon. Akintunde Rotimi (APC, Ekiti) and Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero (APC, Ondo) calling attention to the havoc wrecked on communities in the two states.

In his motion, Rotimi informed the House of the devastating rainstorms that affected Itapaji Ekiti in Ikole Local Government and Omu/Ijelu in Oye Local Government in Ekiti North 1 Federal Constituency, causing severe damages to residential and commercial properties, public infrastructure, farmlands, and other vital assets.

He said that the severe impact of the rainstorms on the lives and livelihoods of residents, including displacement of families, loss of property, and the disruption of economic activities has caused untold hardship to the affected persons.

He expressed concern about the potential health hazards and other risks that displaced residents and the wider community face due to the destruction of homes and infrastructure could be more devastating if nothing is done.

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On his part, Hon Ehindero said that on 2 April, 2024 a very heavy rainstorm swept through many communities across the entire constituency, causing significant damage and disruption to the affected areas.

He said that over 60,000 constituents were displaced in Ogbagi Akoko, Oyin Akoko, Okeagbe Akoko, Ugbe Akoko, and Ikare Akoko, causing widespread destruction and damage to homes, businesses, and public offices.

He said that the storm destroyed buildings while others had their roofs blown off, disrupting essential services like electricity and water supply resulting in deplorable living conditions in affected communities, stressing the need to provide short, medium- and long-term assistance to the affected communities.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 11, resolved to invite minister of transportation to explain the reasons behind the repeated derailment of the Abuja-Kaduna train services.

The minister, who was invited along with other relevant stakeholders in the railway sector, would face the House committee on land transportation.

They are expected to proffer measures taken by them to avert further reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents.

The House directed an immediate investigation through the House committee on land transportation into the causes of these recurring derailments of the Abuja-Kaduna train services with a view to avert a national calamity.

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

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent importance titled, “An Urgent Need to Investigate the Causes of the Recurring Derailment of Abuja-Kaduna Passengers Train which Skidded Twice in the Last Two Weeks with Hundreds of Passengers on Board” sponsored by Hon. Umar Shehu Ajilo.

The House noted that rail transportation is presumed to be the safest mode of transportation world over. 

It said however, the recent trend of recurring derailment of the Abuja-Kaduna Train services has proven otherwise.

It said the situation which calls for our collective concern.

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The motion reads: “The House is concerned that the Abuja-Kaduna train services convey a significant number of passengers and goods from Abuja to Kaduna and vice versa which plays a huge economic and social role in Nigeria.

“The House is worried that the rate at which derailments occur along the Abuja-Kaduna rail line has become unnecessarily alarming with the most recent derailment which occurred on Wednesday the 5th day of June, 2024, when a train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed at Asha Station, leaving many passengers stranded in the Federal Capital territory, being the second of such unfortunate occurrences just within the last two weeks.

“This House recalls that on May 26, an Abuja-bound train, on Sunday, derailed along the Abuja-Kaduna route, leading to the passengers being stranded in the Jere area of Kaduna state.

“This House must stand to the occasion by investigating these repeated incidents to ensure that the repeated rail derailment incidents do not result in a national calamity.”