NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DEBATES
FOURTH ASSEMBLY
FIRST SESSION
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
OFFICIAL REPORT

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 

Friday, 4th June, 1999
The House met at 9.55am. 

PRAYERS

(Mr. Speaker in the chair)

Mr. Speaker: Hon. Member, I hope you all had a nice rest after a hectic day yesterday. I will like to seize this opportunity to once again thank the hon. Member of this House for yesterday's election. 
I will go to the second item on the Order paper. 

OATHS

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE 

AND

OATH OF MEMBERSHIP

Mr. Speaker: I will now ask Members who have submitted their Assets declaration forms who could not do so yesterday, to come forward so that we can administer Oaths on them, please.

Thereupon, the following Members took and subscribed the Affirmations required by Law: 

Ahmed, Alhaji Hassan Barata 
Arewa, Alhaji Mohammed 
Aziegbemi, Mr. Anthony 
Baba, Alhaji Shehu 
Bello, Alhaji Ibrahim 
Beth, Alhaji Mamunu 
Dantani, Alhaji Audu Sunsuwa 
Ebuja, Alhaji Amba Tangban 
Ishanq, Adekola Aliyu (Barr) 
Joseph, Mr. Babatunde Lakoja 
Kanayo, Mr. Edeh
Kuriya, Alhaji Tafaria Auta 
Martin, Mr. Babale
Mohammed, Alhaji Yahaya Birnin-Kudu 
Muhammed, Alhaji Mukailu Haruna 
Mukhthr, Alhaji Dikko
Ned, Mr. Munir Nwoko 
Nuhu, Alhaji Bobbo Gurin 
Olabose, Alhaji Mustapha
Oluwatayo, Mr Rufus Idowu Prince 
Patrick, Mr. Oroh Agbor 
Peter, Mr. Ndalikali Jiya
Sani, Alhaji Ibrahim R/Doruwa 
Taiwo, Mr. Dele Oluwasegun 
Zakari, Alhaji Muhammed Shinaka

Sitting suspended 10.05am.
At this point, Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria entered the Chambers, accompanied by the Vice-President and other officials.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 

Friday, 4th June, 1999
The National Assembly met at 10.10 a.m.

PRAYERS

(The President of the Senate in the Chair) 

The Chairman: The Joint Session of the Senate and the House of Representatives is about to commence but I want us to recognise in our midst this morning the presence of the former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief (Dr.) Alex Ekwueme. You are welcome. (Applause) We also recognise the presence of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Uwais. (Applause)

VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT

HIS EXCELLENCY, THE PRESIDENT COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERATION

At 10.13 a. m. His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation entered the Chamber (accompanied by the Vice-President and other Senior Government officials).

The Sergeant-at-Arms (Standing on the Uppermost Step):
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Vice-President, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Distinguished Senators and honourable Members of the House of Representatives, we are privileged to have in our midst this morning the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We heartily welcome him to this Joint Session of the National Assembly and I invite the President to please address the National Assembly.
Mr. President Sir. (Applause)

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: 

Address by His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation.

Your Excellency, the Vice President, My lord, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, The honourable President of the Senate, The honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Distinguished and honourable Senators, Distinguished and honourable Members of the House of Representatives, My lords Spiritual and Temporal Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, The President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, let me, on behalf of the government and all Nigerians specially congratulate you on your election (Applause). All of you, Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, let me congratulate and commend you for a job well done and honourably done. (Applause). Let me thank God. for this great moment in the life of our country as we take this decisive step forward in our democratic renewal. I take the opportunity of this occasion to welcome you all to this milestone on our journey towards nationhood and sustainable democracy. I also want to seize this opportunity to congratulate each and everyone of you on your success at the polls. It is my sincere hope that the confidence reposed in you by our people and their expectation of you in terms of selfless service shall constitute a motivating force in all your deliberations and activities over the next four years.
Unfortunately, our recent contemporary circumstances have put our Nation at a crossroad such that we all talk of a new beginning. The inauguration last Saturday has been compared with the birth of the nation nearly four decades ago, when we adopted the Coat of Arms with the words: "Unity and Faith" If we had adhered to this process, we will not now be talking of a new beginning, hence the imperative that will make a new beginning of today a lasting one and we can only do this by laying a durable foundation for a continuous evolution of democratic governance in this country.
Unity means recognizing our obligations to a common destiny and working together along the best route to that destiny. Faith, implies hope and confidence in ourselves and in the future and above all trust in the Almighty.
We are from different social backgrounds; we belong to different ethnic groups; we hold different religious beliefs and our political affiliations are not all the same, but our common problems which dictate the need for common solutions in pursuit of the common good demand, that as Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, you must constantly remind yourselves of our new national motto - Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.
Peace means understanding and agreeing on the need for common solutions. Progress means knowing what we have to do for the common good. It ig in pursuit of these objectives that I wish here to outline to you the Agenda of the our Administration.
We are a nation of many ethnic groups joined together by God and historical circumstances. In the early fifties the founding fathers of our nation recognized the imperative of Federalism in the Richard's constitution. Since then our people have come to understand and appreciate the extent of historical links within the geographical .areas housing our nation. We have accepted the bonds binding us within the Federalist structure and despite the unfortunate civil war, we have demonstrated our willingness to co-exist, co-habit and continue as one people.
In reaction to the political turmoil of the past few years, various groups and communities have been advocating their perception of true Federalism. Some talk of restructuring of the federation with separate defence and law enforcement commands. Others demand the application of a revenue allocation formula based only on the principle of derivation. There are those who want the country carved into six geopolitical zones. These demands are mostly borne out of deep frustration and despair over persistent failures of the central government to meet the hopes and aspirations of the people. (Applause)
An inventory of our grievances will reveal that without exception all sections have felt marginalized in the last 15 years. In a situation where all groups complain of marginalisation, the question is begged: Who is doing the marginalisation. This whole nation has been traumatized by misrule: It is perhaps understandable that in the absence of a trustworthy, transparent and just central authority, each one falls a victim and suspects the other of being the oppressor. While not in any way condoning the misguided decisions or tactical mistakes of the past, I will at this time appeal for calm and mature reflections. We have come a long way as one Nigeria as much as we have rejoiced together in times of triumph and here today is one day and one time of triumph. (Applause). Let us reconcile our misunderstandings in times of disappointment.
Imperative of stability and progress demands nothing less.
The issues arising are important enough to warrant thorough and careful assessments. I thus propose to work with the National Assembly, State Governments and Assemblies, Local Governments, Traditional authorities and all other forms of representative bodies and institutions within the Nigerian polity to achieve practicable and workable solutions within the next four years.
Nigeria's most valuable asset is the population of dynamic and versatile men, women and youths who only need to have their energies harnessed and channeled to productive use. A yearn for honest, transparent and accountable leadership that they can trust and from which they can derive inspiration for hard work and fulfilling applications of their talents and capabilities.
Let me pledge here that I shall spare no effort for the ultimate success of the Nigerian nation. (Applause).
Our march towards economic recovery will require strict discipline, tight and responsible financial management. The resources available to discharge government business is meagre and dwindling. The action to save the economy will demand sacrifice that will be extensive and at time painful. Let me give you some insight into our financial situation. The projected budgetary deficit for the end of may 1999 was 163 billion Naira. But our administration has found that this figure had been exceeded by 93 billion Naira an increase of over 57%.
Bringing the actual budget deficit to 256 billion Naira. We simply cannot sustain this level of expendiare pattern. And yet, we have to add the extra cost of democracy in terms of capital and recurrent cost of the National Assembly.
With regard to our foreign reserve, the balance as at the end of may, 1999 stood at 3.75 billion dollars compared with the sum of 7.1 billion U.S. dollars at the beginning of January this year. At this rate of depletion, the country would be in the red to the tune of 246 million: U.S. dollars by the end of the year. The situation is bad and calls for immediate action and we have started that action.
The recently announced freeze on payment of extra budgetary commitment is expected to have save the nation N50 billion and 1.1 billion U.S., dollars in foreign exchange. (Applause)
Here are other necessary measures we will have to take. Bloated public institutions have to be rationalized. We have started consultation with the IMF, the World Bank and other major Donor Organizations to assists us with the retraining of people who will be affected by the rationalization. We intend to provide a conducive economic environment for the retrenched people to find gainful employment. (Applause)
The problem of ghost workers will have to be urgently and seriously tackled. All those who have served their time will be honourably retired and I emphasis the word honourably, and adequately compensated to permit them have a speedy and comfortable resettlement. Redundant staff will be retrained to facilitate repositioning to vital sectors where shortages exist and there are many areas where shortages exist. (Applause)
Government expenditure, will, from now on, be according to the Financial Rules and Regulations in order to ensure that every kobo that this government earns, will be used to serve the best interest of the common man in Nigeria . The Presidency, in conjunction with the Office of the Accountant-General and Auditor-General of the Federation, will ensure that every item of expenditure is carefully monitored and fully accounted for and it will all be done in accordance with the Financial Instructions.
You in the Nation Assembly will shortly be presented with the salaries and allowances attached to each public office as part of the details of the budget. Incomes will be reviewed periodically to ensure that officials are always remunerated sufficiently for their performance and thereby not be distracted or tempted into fraudulent acts or divided interest.
The Federal Tender's Board and the Ministerial Tender's Board will be reactivated and given wider powers to determine and ensure that contracts are only awarded to those competent enough to execute them. (Applause) All government contracts from now on, will be processed through these two bodies.
This procedure with the implicit transparency and competitiveness will eliminate the so-called "Nigerian Factor" that adds as much as 50 percent to cost of contracts in Nigeria.
Our objective is to put in place cost saving measures and stringent financial management as the starting point to economic recovery. At the end of the exercise we hope to demonstrate the extent to which mismanagement has cost us dearly all these many years.
For the above measures to be effective and achieve the intended aims, all officials and members of government institutions must heed the warning that mechanisms will be put in place for permanent and constant surveillance to ensure probity and accountability. You may have heard this before but I will say it again: This administration will not, under any circumstances, condone corruption or protect corrupt officials of government. (Applause). The government will be watchful for fraud and misappropriation of public fund. It will expose and severely punish all those who do not heed this admonition.
Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members. I implore you to join me in the fight against corruption and crime. To that end, I shall, within the next fortnight be presenting to this honourable House a Bill for a law to prevent and punish corruption. (Applause).
The current budget will be reviewed to reflect reordering of priorities in accordance with the agenda of our administration and the realities of the national economy. Details will be presented to the National Assembly as soon as possible. I expect you to treat the consideration of the budget with maximum dispatch. We all know the extent of the destruction and decay of all aspects of our national institutions and infrastructures. Rather than waste time repeating the familiar litany of our woes I will move on to outline our administration's strategy for rehabilitation, resuscitation and revitalisation. Transport is the lifeline of the economy and social interaction and inefficient transport system implies stagnation in all sectors. Our priorities in this sector will be: design and implement a new policy on road maintenance; design and implement a new rural road development programme with emphasis on the use of direct labour to engage a large number of our able-bodied young men. Rehabilitate, modernise and expand our railways so that this national asset can once more become relevant to our economic development. Improve air travel by up-grading and revamping good net-work of airports, airstrips across the country and installing up-to-date navigational aid. Our tactically defunct national airline will be critically examined to see the best means of resuscitating it. Private airlines will be encouraged. Optimally utilise the net-work of rivers for water transport inland. Encourage the development of effective and true mass transit system in certain urban areas. (Applause).
Our goal is to classically define an access by all people at all times to enough food for an active and .healthy life. It is in this regard that this administration's priorities would be as follows:
Farmers will be able to cultivate and produce more per hectare at seasons by such measures as timely supply of agricultural inputs. (Applause)
Rehabilitation and reactivation of irrigation facilities and encouragement of small size irrigation facilities as requested by farmers. We will support and encourage live-stock production with a view to making the country self-sufficient in meal products within the life of this Assembly. (Applause)
Solid Minerals are to be found in different parts of Nigeria and they constitute a natural endowment with which we are also blessed. Our Administration will reexamine thoroughly our policies in respect of solid Minerals development with a view to identifying the forces militating against investments in this sector. We will remove such impediments. Petroleum is presently our most important source of foreign exchange. Sadly and very tragically, despite the position it occupies in our economy, this sector has suffered not only neglect as other national assets have but has been subjected to the most unpatriotic abuses. Our priorities in this sector would be to urgently review our policies, giving
top priority to the rehabilitation of our refineries, design a programme for a regular and efficient maintenance of our refineries, flow static pipelines and depots, ensure the observance and enforcement of all laws that govern the procurement storage and distribution of all petroleum products: ensure that the issuance of licenses for exploration and exploitation of petroleum resources is only by competitive bidding thereby maximising the revenue accruing to the Government, enhance all serious private ventures and efforts towards encouraging investment to expand exploration activities and development of new fields. The Government will be more active in the implementation of Joint Venture Agreements so as to better protect our national interests.
Petrochemical and natural gas are sub- sectors in this area which require the utmost attention. We have a duty to do all that is necessary to maximise our endowment advantages of these potential revenue earners. We will pursue such policies that by the end of our four years, the annual revenue from these sub-sectors will be close to the annual revenue of petroleum sub-sector. (Applause)
There is no home in this country which is not concerned about the state of our education. The structure is in a disgraceful condition; teachers are demoralised and disenchanted and the system is now producing thousands of functional illiterate young people for a life of joblessness and despondency. Our Administration will embark on a thorough exercise of reviving, revamping, improving and up-dating our educational system. We shall pay special attention to Science and Technology. We will seek the co-operation of international community and non-governmental agencies in designing and executing ourprogrammes. Measures will be taken to encourage education in areas of the country where educational awareness and facilities are low. Then, we will re-launch Universal Primary Education and make it compulsory. (Applause)
Our Administration looks forward to an economy of vibrant partnership between Government and business. It shall be one of co-operation and complementality, not one of competition and confrontation. Government shall not seek to do that which experience has proved it is least competent to handle. Business will be encouraged to be conscious of its social responsibilities. Private profit must look to promote public purpose and public good. In this vein, our Administration will pursue the policy of privatising all parastatals when it is judged that their performance will be enhanced and their subsequent status will be of overall interest to the nation. The privatisation process will not be rushed and will only follow a full and detailed management and valuation audit of the targeted establishment. After we have determined the value of the assets, the method of sale will be open, transparent and accessible to all Nigerians who may have the capital to invest. (Applause) This privatization process must be such that the gains can retain the confidence of both Nigerians and international community. We are also hoping that the international concerns for democratic governance does not stop with the installation of our Administration. All Nigeria are expecting democracy to yield dividends that they can perceive in their lives. It is in this regard that we are hoping to count on further support from our international friends. Our national circumstances are far from easing, so our message to our international well-wishers has to be blunt. The euphoria today could quickly evaporate if it is not followed by massive inflow of foreign investment and a more realistic reappraisal of the crushing dept burden.
Our Administration promises to provide a stable and secure enabling environment for all those seeking to do legitimate business with the Nigerians. We are also keen to discuss meaningfully all aspects of our foreign depts with a view to achieving a level of relief that matches our harsh realities which Nigerians at home and abroad must be seen to have faith in the country by investing in such business. Rich Nigerians at home and abroad must be seen to have faith in the country by investing in long term industrial projects and thereby confirming confidence in their own country. The National Assembly has a duty to be part of this effort in every way it can as one element for promoting public/private sector partnership. Signals emanating from this honourable Assembly will go a long way towards the realization of our hopes and aspiration for our country. 
Distinguished Senators, and Honourable Members of the House, together we have to further the course of democracy. It is thus vital that you immediately set in motion the process to repeal or amend all laws which are inconsistent with democratic ideals, practices and principles. (Applause) The expectation of Nigerians is very high and understandably so that the enthronement of democracy will usher in an era of prosperity. Prosperity will come after we have demonstrated our ability to confront the challenge of national re-awakening. We Nigerians must decide and do what is necessary and make a success of our nations cake. Members of the National Assembly have the duty and responsibility to spearhead the movement towards national reconstruction.
Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the House, God has given us one more golden opportunity to put our house in order. If God has given us another opportunity we must use it to advantage. The people of Nigeria have reposed their confidence in you to represent their collective interests. You must not be found wanting. You cannot afford to disappoint them. The world is watching us with keen and unusual attention. Will it be or will it not be? An unparalled sense of hope that Nigerians shall rise again is pervading many parts of the world. Let us not disappoint those who wish us well or waste the abundant goodwill. If we fail this time, and God forbid, we shall have nobody but ourselves to blame. (Applause) May God guide, direct and strengthen us along the right path for ourselves, for our children, for our children's children and for the great future which we can see in the horizon.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I thank you and God bless you all. (Applause) The President of the Senate, I will crave the indulgence of this august body to pass a letter formally to the President of the Senate and a list containing those who I hope the Senate will be able to work upon expeditiously, and who after the Senate has worked on theist expeditiously to form the body of men and women to assist me in the administration of the office. (Applause)
For the House of Representatives, I had hoped that my first Bill will be ready this morning, but as I said, it will be ready within the next forth-night. Meanwhile, you can use our statute book and look and dig up laws that are inconsistent with the new dispensation and it is your duty and responsibility to expunge them. Thank you. I wish you happy deliberations. (Applause)

ADJOURNMENT

The Senate President: The Joint Session of the National Assembly stands adjourned Sine Die.

The Joint Sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives adjourned Sine Die at 11.00 a.m. 

Sitting resumed: 11.20 a. m

(Mr. Speaker in the Chair)

The Speaker: Hon. Members, we are out of power supply by NEPA and unfortunately, there is no generator. I suggest that you move forward a bit so that we continue with the proceedings.
We are going back to the Order Paper and if you could remember, we were administering Oaths when the Senate President came in and we had to suspend the Sitting. Owing to lack of power supply, we are going straight to item number three which is Announcement.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Meeting of APP Members

There will be a meeting of all House Members of APP at the lobby of Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel Towers at 4.00 p.m. It is important that all Members attend.

Nwerem Eze 
(Protem Leader) 

Meeting of North-West PDP Members

There will be a meeting of all Members of PDP, North-West Zone, in Room 914, Sheraton Hotel & Towers at 9.00 p.m. today.

Meeting of Members of North-Central Zone 

There will be a meeting of all Members of North-Central Zone here immediately after this sitting. 

Hon. Musa U. Adamu

Meeting of Osun State AD Members

There will be a meeting of Osun State AD Members of the House here immediately after this sitting.

Hon. Chief Abioye Oyetunji 
(Interim Chairman)

Mr. Speaker: We now go to item four on the Order Paper of the Day.

MESSAGES

To the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria:  

i. That a message be conveyed to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria informing that body that the quorum of the House has assembled; that Hon. Ibrahim Salisu Buhari (Nassarawa, Kano State) has been elected the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

ii. That a message be conveyed to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria informing that body that the quorum of House has assembled; that Hon. Chibudom Nwabueze Nwuche (Abua/Odual/Ahoada East, Rivers State) has been elected the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
To the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

i. That the Clerk to the National Assembly do notify the President,
of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the quorum of the House has assembled; that Hon. Ibrahim Salisu Buhari (Nassarawa, Kano State) has been elected the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
ii. That the Clerk to the National Assembly do notify the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the quorum of the House has assembled; that Hon. Chibudom Nwabueze Nwuche (Abua/Odual/Ahoada East, Rivers State) has been elected the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
iii. That the Clerk to the National Assembly do advise the Secretary to the Federal Government to inform the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the House is assembled, properly constituted and ready to receive any message he may wish to transmit.

Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, so be it. May I call on an Hon. Member to move for the adjournment of this House.

Hon. Nduka Irabor: Mr. Speaker, Sir, before the Motion for adjournment, I think I should point out something that is not clear. Perhaps, we should seek the advise of the Clerk of the House. If you look at the order Paper it appears that the entire thing that we did today is not in order. The messages just read were supposed to have been done before we had the Joint Session.
Also, the protocol that we observed today did not appear to be tidy.
I therefore suggest that we find a forum at which the staff of the Assembly should look at what ought to be done at occasions such as this.

Hon. Frederick A.U. Okeke (Ohiala): Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to make an observation as regards to the preparation of this Order Paper. It is my view that utmost care be taken by those who prepare the Order Papers to ensure that they do not contain errors in view of the fact that these papers are going to form living records of this House for generations to come. For example, the name of the Hon. Deputy Speaker is not correctly spelt. In the two places his name appeared, it is spelt as Nwuche instead of Nwuche, even though he did not raise an objection. I think it should have been well noticed or judiciously noticed that we do not have River State but Rivers State. Therefore, to address them as River State is a complete misnomer. I suggest that in the preparation of the Order Paper, utmost care should be taken.
There are issues that we have witnessed in the past few days which affect us but which we only heard about them on the Radio and Television. Some of the reports referred to us as Members-elect. We are now members of the National House of Assembly. I would like to suggest that from now on, all issues that affect us should be made known to us well in advance. I want to make reference to one occasion. We only learnt about the inauguration of this honourable House yesterday. None of us knew about it before the broadcast. I think the time is now ripe that issues that affect us should be communicated to us and that a line of communication should be established by the Clerk of the House.

Mr. Speaker: I want to bring to your notice the fact that this is a new democracy. We will have to make this system work. As at present, we are in a very abnormal situation. This is a National House of Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are here where there is no light. I mean, this is one of the problems. A lot of things are wrong and this is why I want us to adjourn and get out of here before we suffocate. It is really getting too hot.
I want to assure Hon. Members that I will do everything humanly possible to ensure that these abnormal things are fixed with immediate effect. (Applause) I want, at this juncture, to appeal for patience and that we should look at these things as sacrifice that we have to make for democracy.
I now call on the Deputy Speaker to move the motion for adjournment.

ADJOURNMENT

Hon. Chibudom Nwabueze Nwuche (Abua/ Odual/ Ahoada East): Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that this Hon. House do adjourn till Wednesday, 9th June, 1999, at 10.00 a.m. 

Hon. Olabode Mustapha (Abeokuta North): Mr. Speaker, Sir, Hon. Members, I beg to second. 

Question put and agreed to.

Resolved: That this House do now adjourn till Wednesday, 9th June, 1999, at 10.00 a.m.

The House adjourned accordingly at 11.40 a.m.