Senate Suspends  South South Development Commission Bill

From Abdul Sule (Abuja)

A  bill seeking for the establishment of  the South South Development Commission initiated by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South  has stepped down  by the Senate

The bill was sponsored by the Senator representing Cross River south, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and presided over by Senator Benson Agadaga in Ekpenyong's absence.

Agadaga mentioned that the proposed bill aims to create a commission dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by the geopolitical zone

He said, “To address socio-economic issues, climate change, environmental degradation, ecological challenges occasioned by oil exploration in the region, among others,” 

“The south-south geopolitical zone comprises the following states: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo and Rivers state.”

Senator Adamu Aliero, who represents Kebbi Central, pointed out that the bill is redundant as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) already addresses the same objectives outlined in the legislation.

He said, “I see it as a duplication and overlapping functions. It would have been better if he came with an amendment to the Niger Delta Development Commission,” Aliero said.
“This is against parliamentary practice. It will make us look like a laughing stock.
“I reject the presentation of this bill.”

Subsequently, the bill was temporarily set aside for further review following a verbal vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.