Reps pass bill to establish N/East Development Commission

A bill which seeks for the establishment of the North East Development Commission passed through second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The commission, when established will be responsible for receiving and managing of funds from allocation from the Federation Account and international donors for settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency.

In his lead debate, Speaker Yakubu Dogara who sponsored the bill, expressed regret over the effects of the terrorism attack on the lives of millions of Nigerians living in the North-East region.

While stressing the need for  the Federal Government to prioritise the development of the region, the Dogara lamented that the activities of Boko Haram have led to widespread poverty and unemployment in the region.

He disclosed that “majority of our people in the northeast cannot enjoy this democracy and the situation calls for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to put the region in order. It has become absolutely necessary for us to elevate this matter from zonal to national level.”

He explained that “the insurgency has led to the loss of over 700,000 people and destruction of property and businesses worth billions of naira.”

While expressing support for the bill, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Majority Leader, commended the Speaker on the development of the region.

“If we look at the NDDC bill, it was to improve the lot of the people in the Niger Delta that it was established.

“We heard about compensation for private companies and all that, but I think the best compensation we can give the North-East is this commission. I believe the North-East should sooner or later be at par with other parts of the country”, he stated.

Also speaking, Leo Ogor, Minority Leader condemned the activities of the insurgents that led to the death of thousands of innocent Nigerians including children and women as well as destruction of property.

KEHINDE AKINTOLA