The House of Representatives has rejected a bill to allow
citizens to drag the government to court for failing to provide social welfare.
The bill sought to make justiciable the fundamental
objectives as contained in sections 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 of
the Constitution.
The lawmakers rejected the bill after the debate on the
bill, which was sponsored by Sergius Ogun from Edo State.
For instance, section 16 of the constitution provides that
“The State shall direct its policy towards ensuring – that suitable and
adequate shelter, suitable and adequate food, reasonable national living
minimum wage, old age care and pensions, unemployment and sick benefits and
welfare of the disabled are provided for all citizens.”
The passage of the bill would have altered the Constitution
in such a manner that citizens can approach the court for failure of government
to provide basic needs.
Speaking against the bill, Herman Hembe from Benue State
said the bill is seeking to make Nigeria a socialist state, noting socialism
has never worked anywhere.
“Socialism never worked, it has only collapsed countries.
The only thing that works is a system where people are allowed to work,” he
said.
Nicholas Ossai argued that the bill should be allowed to
pass, while experts can advise the committee on the bill.
Following a debate on the bill, it was put to question and
rejected by voice votes.
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