The controversial Water Resources Bill earlier set aside by the House of Representatives in the 7th and 8th assemblies has again resurfaced following its re-introduction at plenary on Wednesday by the House Committee Chairman on Water Resources, Hon.Sada Soli.
This development however did not go down well with some members particularly from Benue state as they opposed it due to grey areas that may raise fear by people of the state.
A mild drama had ensued on the floor when Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila called on the Clerk to the House, Yahaya Danzaria to read out the short title of the Bill and a member Hon. Mark Gbillah raised a point of order that the bill generated lots of controversies last year and should not be brought back.
Reacting to the point of order, Gbajabiamila explained that the sponsor Hon. Soli had assured that contentious issues in the former bill which bothered many people last year has been addressed in the new bill.
The Speaker therefore advised his colleagues to talk to their respective state Governors to get their opinion on how it affects their states.
His words: “I asked the chairman the same thing this morning and he told me that the issues that were raised then have been addressed by all the Governors. Apparently this new bill that all the governors of the federation both south and north participated. I will take him by his word. We live in a diverse country and everybody sensitivity should be taken into consideration. The governors govern their states and they know what affects them. We should leave at that, be very vigilant, talk to your governors and get their opinions on how it affects your state”.
In a swift response, Gbillah counted him saying whatever the Governors may have agreed on is not acceptable, adding that he’s very sure his State Governor, Samuel Ortom didn’t agree to this.
“With all due respect to our governors, we are duly elected the mandate in this house to represent interest of our people. We are also coming from the premise of that constitutional powers we have. Whatever the governors may have agreed upon may not be acceptable to us. It’s imperative that all of us collectively are given copies immediately of whatever this bill says.
The contentious issue is that the federal government will be taking ownership and possession of water ways. As much as the Governors may have discussed which is still subject to confirmation, because my Governor in Benue state has not agreed to this “he said.
Speaking in support of his colleague who are from the same state, Hon. John Dyegh said Governors can’t decide for lawmakers, and must consult them before taking a decision on the Bill.
Responding to Gbillah, Gbajabiamila said, “He (Soli) specifically mentioned your governor’s name.”
However, Gbillah insisted that governor, Ortom has not agreed for the Bill to be reintroduced.
While concurring that everyone’s voices must be heard regarding the Bill, Gbajabiamila however corrected the lawmakers assertion that he said Governors can decide on the way forward on the Bill.
He thereafter directed the Chairman Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Hassan Fulata to ensure every lawmaker gets the copy of the bill to study ahead of the second reading debate.
He said, “You can object to any bill at any stage. I get your point I’m not by anyway saying the Governors will dictate to us. I’m saying that we work in a symbiotic relationship with the CEOs of the states and sometimes they are in better position to know what’s good for the states. We are here to represent people and our voices must be heard, irrespective of what the governors say. I hope we can work in tandem with the governors.
“Chairman Rules and Business, before this matter comes up for second reading, make sure every lawmaker gets a copy to digest, to consult wide. We cannot play the ostrich knowing that this bill almost threw this company in flames. Members should read it properly.”
In his response after the Speaker’s ruling, the Bill sponsor Hon. Sada Soli said he will attach needed information for his colleagues to read through, vowing that if issues arise again he will withdraw the Bill.
“I will attach the comments of the governors forum, attorney general and that of the states too. They all commented. I assure my colleagues that I will not stand where a particular section of this country be shortchanged. If that happens I will withdraw the bill,” he said.
In another development, A bill for an Act to Establish the Entrepreneurship Bank of Nigeria on Wednesday passed second reading in the hallowed chambers of the House of Representatives
The bill seeks to provide for the establishment of the Entrepreneurship Bank of Nigeria; to charge it with the responsibility, among other things, for providing medium and long-term finance for indigenous small businesses; and for other related matters connected therewith.
Debating the merits of the proposed institution, Hon. Benjamin Kalu said that this bill which focuses on Nigerian youths, aimed to provide improved access to finance for youth entrepreneurs in innovation, manufacturing, agriculture and trade.
He noted that the proposed law was read for first time on Thursday, 18 July, 2019.
Giving further insight into the bill, he said that Nigeria today, due to numerous socio-economic challenges, many youths depend on themselves and drive their own future by creating opportunities for themselves and others, by undertaking different entrepreneurial ventures toward self-reliance.
He however noted that this group of people still need capacity building, financial support and favorable policies.
According to the lawmaker, the strength of any nation depends on the policy framework and initiatives put in place to develop and empower the youth in order to maximize their potentials, talents and untapped capacities in nation building.
He said: “Without a vibrant, skilled, focused and equipped youth, no nation can rise to its full potential because the youth are the visionaries and producers who power nations to greater heights.
“Youths are estimated to constitute about 70 % of the population of Nigeria. This is a huge advantage for a nation that is seriously and furiously pursuing national development.
“The youth are assets to a nation not liabilities. The youths if well-educated, trained and motivated, can utilize their mental, technical and visionary power to develop the Nigerian economy.
“A fundamental challenge to youth entrepreneurship capacity is the lack of access to functional and effective finance”he stated.
The bill sponsor noted that the existing financial institutions are not really servicing the real needs of the indigenous business or initiatives owned and run by the youth.
He pointed out that in most cases, their requirements are way beyond the reach of such entrepreneurs; and their operational modalities are not really designed to deliberately encourage indigenous small businesses.
He also said that a closer look at the operational modalities of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) would show that there is no clear-cut intention and support for indigenous small businesses owned and run by youth.
Moreover, he argued that commercial and microfinance banks are not even feasible options for indigenous small businesses.
“This is the gap which the contemplated bank would fill.There is need for a specialized bank which would target the youth at different levels and scopes with emphasis on harnessing abundant potentials for economic growth and greatness of the nation” Kalu said.
The Abia State born lawmaker said that even the African Development Bank has seen the need to have a specialized bank for the youths.
According to him, ThisDay Newspaper of 29 May, 2022, the President of the AfDB Group, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina at the conclusion of the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the African Development Bank in Accra Ghana, disclosed that the bank had embarked on the design of youth entrepreneurship investment banks in 13 African countries including Nigeria.
He said the move which would be finalized this June would help youths get capital and create wealth for the younger generation for the development of the continent. 6.
He had argued that pass the bill is to ‘ve a legal framework that is tailored to our uniqueness is a step in the right direction ahead of theirs.
The key functions of the Banks shall be – (a) to establish and carry on the business of lending to small businesses in Nigeria as may be determined by the Board of the Bank from time to time;(b) to design and implement schemes of investment finance for parties carrying on small businesses in Nigeria.
Other functions are to enter into guarantee agreements with other parties to guarantee payment in specified circumstances; and(d) to lend and advance money or give credit to such persons or companies on such terms and conditions as may seem expedient and in particular to customers, companies, corporations, firms and other bodies which have dealings with the Bank and to give guarantee or become surety and give security for any such persons or companies
On its structure, this Bill which seeks to establish the Entrepreneurship Bank of Nigeria aimed at providing access to finance to the Nigerian youth, comprises of twenty-five (25) clauses.
Consequently, the House presided by the Speaker Hon Femi Gbajabiamila speed the bill into second reading
He also referred the proposed law to the relevant House Committee for further legislative actions.
