Senate Reopens Bill On Suspension Of South-South Development Commission

The Senate has reopened debate on a bill to establish the South-South Development Commission which was suspended in July.

The Bill was suspended after a larger number of the senators voted against it through voice votes.

However, in a fresh twist, the expression ‘What is good for the goose is good for the gander’ prevailed on Thursday, as the lawmakers began making a case for its reconsideration. They hinged their argument on the premise that every zone is fundamentally entitled to its commission.

The bill sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, senator representing Cross River South, was kicked against by a substantial number of lawmakers three months ago.

They argued that the bill is a duplication of the functions of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) which already takes care of the objectives of the proposed piece of legislation.

So far, nearly 10 Senators have embraced the merits of the commission. They asserted that it will be development-based not resource-based like the NDDC.

Other lawmakers Sen. Karimi representing Kogi West senatorial district, however, argue that Kogi state which is also oil producing, should be included as part of the NDDC.

The deputy Senate President suggested that the name NDDC be altered to include other states that produce oil like Bauchi and Kogi.

The bill which scaled through the second reading, has been referred to the committee on special duties to report back within one week.