Reps pass Anti Terrorism Bill, 4 others

Apparently responding to President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement that the federal government is making efforts to end one decade terror in the country, the House of Representatives yesterday cut short their Easter and Sallah breaks to pass four Bills relating to terrorism, money laundering and proceeds from crimes.

Giving insight into the Bills before they were read for the third time on the floor of the House, the Chief Whip, Hon. Tahir Monguno who stood in for the House Leader, Hon. Ado Doguwa said they amended existing Acts which according to him had become obsolete to bring them in tandem with the international best practices.

During yesterday’s plenary session, the House, presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila had dissolved into Committee of the Whole House for clause by clause consideration of the Bills.

The Bills considered and read a third time are: “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 and Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013, and Enact the Terrorism (Prohibition and Prevention) Bill, 2022 to Provide for an Effective, Unified and Comprehensive Legal, Regulatory and Institutional Framework for the Detection, Prevention, Prohibition, Prosecution and Punishment of Acts of Terrorism, Terrorism Financing, Proliferation and Financing of the Weapons of Mass Destruction in Nigeria; and for Related Matters.”

“A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and Enact the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022 to provide Comprehensive Legal and Institutional Framework for the Prevention and Prohibition of Money Laundering in Nigeria, Establish the Special Control Unit under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; and for Related Matters.

“A Bill for an Act to Provide Framework for the Support, Management and Protection of Witnesses who Provide Information, Evidence or any other Assistance to Law Enforcement Agencies during Inquiries, Investigations or Prosecution; and for Related Matters.

“A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Public Complaints Commission Act, Cap. P37, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Public Complaints Commission Bill, 2022 for Establishment of the Public Complaints Commission with wide Powers to Inquire into Complaints by Members of Public concerning the Administrative actions of any Public Authority and Companies or their Officials and provide Legal Framework for making Public Interest; and for Related Matters.”

Briefing newsmen at the end plenary, the House spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu said passage of the Bills was House of Representatives’ contribution to efforts to fight terrorism in the country through legislative means and in line with the international best practices.

The House later adjourned plenary to May 24.