Reps pass North-East Development Commission Bill

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a Bill for an Act to establish the North-East Development Commission.

This followed  the adoption of 35 clauses contained in it for the setting up of the commission.

The commission, when established, will be charged with the responsibility to resettle and rehabilitate victims of insurgency in the North-East.

The commission is to receive and manage funds from the federation account and international donors for the purpose of reconstructing roads, houses and business premises of the victims.

It will also be responsible for tackling poverty and illiteracy as well as environmental and developmental challenges confronting the region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Bill was presented for first reading by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara on Nov. 15, 2016.

It was also transmitted to the President for assent on Jan. 17, 2017.

However, following some observations, the Bill was withdrawn on February 7, for more legislative inputs.

The Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, noted that 700, 000 Nigerians have  been killed, while more than  2.2 million people have also  been  displaced  owing to  insurgency in the North-East. (NAN)