Following the successful inauguration of the 10th National Assembly signalling the beginning of a new legislative session, the lawmakers in the House of Representatives sat for their first plenary on Wednesday, 14th June 2023. In this piece, we refresh your memory on key activities in the Green Chamber before the lawmakers adjourned for July 4, 2022.
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- Reps to invite NEMA over 2023 flood prediction
The House of Representatives has resolved to invite Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria to brief the House on the measures put in place to mitigate flood disasters and manage the socio-economic impact on the citizens.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos) during the maiden plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the motion, he explained that the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook prepared by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency shows that 178 (One Hundred and Seventy-Eight) Local Government Areas in 32 (thirty-two) States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory fall within the highly probable flood risk areas.
2. House Rejects motion seeking to suspend Dangote’s License as Sole Fuel Importer
The House of Representatives at its plenary on Wednesday also rejected a motion moved by Rep. Ghali Tijjani (NNPP, Kano) seeking to strip the Dangote group of the license issued to it by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) as the sole importer of Petroleum (PMS) into the country.
The newly-elected lawmaker had moved the motion during plenary on the floor of the House, calling on the national oil company to review the licensing process in order to include and accommodate other oil marketers.
When put to question, the motion was, however, rejected by a generality of members of the House.
3. Reps reject a move to designate ‘Japa Syndrome’ as national emergency
The House of Representatives last week also rejected a motion seeking to designate the emigration of young Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad better known as ‘Japa Syndrome,’ as a national emergency.
Moved by Rep. Phillips Agbese (APC, Benue), the lawmaker, in arguing out his points, noted that those currently leaving the country are the middle class who possess skills and other trained manpower based on their training in Nigeria and emigrating at a time when their services are needed to build a vibrant economy.
Reacting to the motion, a former Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase, described the motion as null and void, noting that it is contrary to the constitution’s provisions. Also contributing, Rep. Sada Soli said that the motion looks nationalistic, but it contravenes the provision of the Constitution as every qualified Nigerian is at liberty to move anywhere in search of his means of livelihood.
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4. “10th House to reconsider and pass pending gender bills” – Speaker Abbas
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, has pledged to ensure inclusive governance and opportunities for women in discharging his duties as Presiding Officer of the Green Chamber.
The newly-elected Speaker gave the assurance last weekend when he led the Deputy Speaker and other Members of the House on a ‘thank you visit’ to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at the Aso Villa, following her support towards their emergence as Presiding Officers of the Green Chamber.
”We have emerged in an unprecedented manner; 353 out of 359 voted for me. It has never happened in our history; our leadership is a leadership for all Nigerians. This is your leadership; we will collaborate and partner, particularly in one area that you requested, which is to carry women along,” he said. This is as he gave an assurance that the 10th House would ensure that gender-based bills passed by the 9th Assembly but not signed, would be re-considered and passed in the 10th House.
5. House constitutes seven new Committees for smooth take-off
The House of Representatives has announced the constitution of seven new committees for effective take-off of the legislative chamber.
Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, announced the constitution of the Committees on Selection, Media and Publicity, Legislative Agenda, Rules and Business, Ethics and Privileges, Welfare and Internal Security on the floor of the House during plenary last Thursday.
Among the Chairpersons for the committees announced by the Speaker are Rep. Khadija Buka Abba-Ibrahim (APC, Yobe) and Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) as spokespersons of the Green Chamber. while Ebonyi Rep, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, chairs the Rules and Business Committee.
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It is important to note that the House on Thursday adjourned plenary until July 4 following a motion by Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase, to enable the National Assembly Leadership assign permanent sitting positions and offices to the lawmakers.
