Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, says the state is opposed to
the national water resources bill reintroduced in the national assembly.
The bill passed first reading at
the house of representatives on Tuesday.
The bill, which is sponsored by Sada Soli, an All
Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Katsina state, seeks to establish an
act that would provide a regulatory framework for the nation’s water resources.
The bill dates back to the eighth national assembly when it
was first sent to the parliament by the executive.
It was passed in 2020 by the green chamber but was later
withdrawn following criticism that trailed the decision of the lower
parliament.
The bill had sought to bring water resources — both surface
and underground — and the banks of the water sources “affecting more than one
state”, under the control of the federal government.
When the bill was reintroduced last Tuesday, two Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers kicked against it, protesting why the rejected
bill is being re-introduced in the current assembly.
Explaining that the bill could have been modified, Femi
Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house, said the bill’s sponsor informed him that
governors, including Ortom and the attorney-general of states, made input and
agreed that the bill be reintroduced.
Reacting in a statement issued on Sunday by Terver Akase,
his chief press secretary, Ortom said Benue is against the bill and will not be
part of any discussion in support of it.
While describing the bill as “obnoxious” the governor said
it seeks to take over what rightfully belongs to states.
“The bill which seeks to bring all water sources (surface
and underground), as well as river banks under the control of the Federal
Government through its agencies is anti-federalism and negates the right of
Nigerians to their ancestral resources,” the statement reads.
“The bill, in addition to its provisions which are grossly
at variance with the Land Use Act, is disguised land-grabbing legislation
designed to grant pastoralists unhindered access to river basins, adjacent
marine and coastal environments across the country.
“The bill is another version of ruga and cattle colonies
whose objective is to create grazing areas in the 36 states of the federation
for herders and their livestock.
“We fault the submission of the Speaker, House of Representatives,
Femi Gbajabiamila on the day the bill was reintroduced, that all Governors
contributed in the drafting of the new bill. We find it unconscionable, the
Speaker’s mention of Governor Samuel Ortom as one of those who endorsed the
bill.
“Coming at a time when Nigerians are clamouring for proper
federalism which entails devolution of powers to states and local governments,
the introduction of a Water Resources Bill by the Buhari administration to
deprive the people of their water resources is not only unfortunate but also
smacks of insensitivity.
“Initiators of the obnoxious National Water Resources Bill
are not only insensate but have also shown crass abhorrence of Nigeria’s unity
as well as the current mood of the nation when people are slaughtered in their
homes and even the clergy are not spared by terrorists. Shouldn’t the
Presidency be more concerned about proffering a lasting solution to the orgy of
killings across the country?
“We want to alert Nigerians again that if the National Water
Resources Bill is passed into law, the rights of citizens over fresh water
resources – ponds, lakes, rivers, streams and springs will be taken away with
impunity. The bill will deny states and local government authorities as well as
individuals the right to make use of the water in their backyard, until they
get permission from Abuja.
“We state
unequivocally that Benue will not be part of the National Water Resources Bill!
Our state should therefore be counted out of any discussion that pertains to
the bill.”
The governor called on other state governments to kick
against the bill, adding that “this is an opportunity for all patriots to stand
to be counted as those who resisted modern-day slavery”.
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We dont need to hand over control of water resources to Fed Govt. These flocks of politicians are still after the Fulanization agenda. The National Assembly should sit on bills that will make our existing institutions to work well.
ReplyDeleteThis northern people will keep on coming up with bills and policies that will favor the norths at the detriment of the south. They have no love for the south. They know they have more candidates in the house. Let southern and middle belt region raise their voices on high and reject this injustice.
ReplyDeleteSelf determination. The key , the solution and the answer to all regional problems.
ReplyDeleteSelf determination is the key, answer and solution to all regional problems
ReplyDelete