In the face of socio-economical advancement, the Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives took place on Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 in order continue to reposition the country positively.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presided the plenary, after leading the opening prayer and the National Pledge, the Deputy Speaker examined and approved the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, May 18th, 2021
PETITIONS
Rep. Ibrahim Obanikoro laid a petition on pension matter by a constituent
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Rep Sani Bala moved a motion of urgent public importance on the failure of aircrafts, citing recent incidents in Abuja, Port Harcourt.
The motion was seconded by Rep. Leke Abejide
Debate:
Rep. Bala raised concern over negligence on the part of the management of airlines in the country
In his contribution, Rep. Abdulrazaq Namdas noted that events have shown that it is time for those responsible for aircraft maintenance to be responsible for their duties.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS
The following Bills were presented for first reading
1. Fiscal Responsibility Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (HB. 1338) (Hon. Oluwole Oke) – First Reading.
2. Admiralty University of Nigeria, Ibusa (Establishment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1339) (Hon. Yusuf Adamu
Gagdi) – First Reading.
3. Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2021(HB. 1340) (Hon. Adekoya A. Abdul-
Majid) – First Reading.
8. Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB.
1345) (Hon. Miriam O. Onuoha) – First Reading.
9. Federal Character Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1346) (Hon. Miriam O. Onuoha)
– First Reading.
10. Federal Roads Safety Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021(HB. 1347) (Hon. Miriam O.
Onuoha) –
Motions:
11. Rep. Miriam Onuoha moved a motion on the Need to Investigate the Alleged Violation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Private Airline Operators.
The motion was seconded by Rep. Aisha Duku.
Debate:
The House: Notes the high rate of discrimination and harassment of persons living with disabilities by Airlines is becoming alarming and is telling bad on the image of the country and it is a known fact that Nigerian citizens living with disabilities constitute “one of the poorest socially excluded and marginalized groups Nigeria;
Also notes that, among the major notable provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities’ Prohibition Act, 2018 are sections 1 and 14 which prohibits any form of discrimination against persons with disabilities;
Further notes that in a world where everyone seeks equal opportunity, irrespective of status, it is disheartening that two years after the enactment of the Act, persons with disabilities are still being treated with disdain and discriminated against by the airline regulator and some operators/carriers;
Cognizance of the fact that disability itself is a burden with its attendant consequences on persons with disabilities, hence the actions of the herein mentioned airline is like punishing the Person twice, which can be described as double jeopardy;
Informed of the claims by one Dr. Chike Okogwu who is living with disability, that on December 21, 2020 Dana Air barred him from boarding its aircraft after he had obtained a boarding pass, on the ground that “a new policy forbids carrying passengers with wheelchairs”;
Desirous of ensuring that the rights of persons living with disability are not infringed owing to their vulnerabilities;
Resolves to:
(i) Urge the relevant agencies to provide functional disability desks to ease the sufferings of persons living with disability at all airports in Nigeria.
(ii) also urge Airline Operators in collaboration with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to provide relevant assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at the airports.
(iii) mandate the Committee on Disabilities to investigate the allegation of the discrimination against persons with disabilities, with particular reference to the allegation of Dr. Chike Okogwu against Dana Airline and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Rep. Olukemi Oluga proposed an amendment the investigation period be reduced to two weeks.
Amendment voted and adopted ;
PLENARY
Leader of the House, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for the adoption of the reports and it was seconded by Rep. Aisha Duku.
Presiding Officer put the question to vote and it was adopted.
ADJOURNMENT
Majority Leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa moved for adjournment and seconded by Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Toby Okechukwu
House adjourned at 2.15 pm to Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 11 am
Princess Miriam Onuoha PR / Media Team
