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Senate passes South-South Development Commission Bill
The Senate yesterday passed the South South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill.
It also passed amendments to the Acts Establishing the North West Development, South East Development Commission, South West Development Commissions to make provisions for geopolitical representations.
The passage came less than 24 hours after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) renamed the Niger Delta Ministry as the Ministry of Regional Development to oversee Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Development Commissions in the six geo-political zones.
Yesterday’s resolution of the Senate followed its consistent and adoption of the recommendations of its Committee on Special Duties, chaired by Senator Kaka Shehu.
The resolution was on the Shehu-led committee report on the Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to Establish South South Development Commission charged with the responsibility to receive and manage funds from the Federation Account Allocation and other sources, donations, grants, aids for the integration, development, resolution of infrastructural deficit, militancy, communal crises as well as tackle ecological, environmental problems; and for related matters, 2024.”
The Bill was sponsored by All Progressive Congress (APC) Cross River South Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.
The Bill was co-sponsored by all Senators from the South South including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Sampson Ekong Akpan, Etim Aniekan Bassey, Sunday Benson Agadaga and Konbowei Friday Benson.
Others are: Henry Seriake Dickson, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Eteng Jonah Williams, Ede Dafinone, Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, Munir Chinedu Nwoko, Neda Imasuen, Monday Okpebholo, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, Heacho Allwell Onyesoh, Ipalibo Harry Banigo and Barinada Barry Mpigi.
There was however heated arguments among senators on source of funding for the various zonal development commissions created by the National Assembly.
Besides, the Senate during the consideration, struck out provisions in Section 23 of the bills conferring operational immunity on board and executives of the commissions.
Arguments on approval of source of funding recommended for the commission among Senators arose during clause by clause consideration of the SSDC Bill.
The Senate Committee on Special Duties had in its report, recommended that 15 per cent of statutory allocations of member States in a commission, should be used to fund the commission by the federal government.
But some senators like Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP – Kebbi North), Wasiu Eshinlokun (APC – Lagos East) and Seriake Dickson (PDP – Bayelsa West) objected to the recommendation.
Specifically, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi said the provision would lead to litigation against the federal government from state governments as no state would like its statutory allocation to be tampered with in the process of funding a zonal development commission.
“The 15 per cent of statutory allocations of member states recommended for funding of the zonal development commissions would be litigated against by some state governments,” he said.
In a bid to quickly correct the meaning read into the 15 per cent statutory allocation of the state by Senator Abdullahi and many other Senators who indicated interest to comment, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, quickly rose to correct their impression.
Senator Barau in his explanation told the Senate that the 15 per cent statutory allocation of member states for funding of the zonal development commissions would not lead to any deduction from their statutory allocations.
“The 15 per cent of statutory allocation of member states recommended for funding of zonal development Commissions by the federal government, is not about deduction at all.
“What is recommended as contained in the report presented to us by the committee on Special Duties and being considered by the Senate now, is that 15% of statutory allocation of member states in a zonal development commission would by way of calculation by the federal government, used to fund the commission from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
“Each state has monthly statutory allocation, 15 % of which as contained in this report being considered, will be calculated by the federal government and removed from the consolidated Revenue Fund for funding of their development commission,” Barau said.
Despite Barau’s explanation, many senators, who were not swayed, indicated their interest to speak but were prevented from doing so by the President of the Senate who said the provision was in order as constitutionally supported.
He said: “We don’t need to be debating on whether 15% statutory allocation of member states in a commission would be deducted or not in view of provisions of section 162 (subsection 4) of 1999 constitution which empowers the National Assembly to appropriate from either the Consolidated Revenue Fund or Federation Account.
“Fifften15 % of statutory allocation of member states, has been recommended by the Senate and by extension, National Assembly, for funding of their zonal development commission by the federal government, anybody who want to go court over that may do so.”
Barau consequently put the question on adoption of the provision to voice vote and ruled that the ‘ayes have it’.
In his remarks after the passage of the bills, Akpabio thanked his colleagues for spending several hours on final consideration and passage of the SSDC Bill and amendments of the Zonal Development Commissions Acts which according to him, would serve as bedrock for the newly-created Ministry of Regional Development.
News
FG drops charges against journalists
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The federal government on Friday withdrew all six-count charges against an Abuja-based online newspaper, Order Paper, and nine officers of the media organization.
Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Tosin Adeola Ajayi advised the federal government to withdraw the charges.
It emerged Thursday that the Federal Government had sued the media house for allegedly publishing a false report that DSS operatives, on October 16, stormed the National Assembly on the basis of a rumoured plot to unseat Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Considering what the DSS said was the serious national security threats and local and international embarrassment the story caused, they sued Order Paper and its officials.
However, a credible source in the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who filed the suit, disclosed that the charges were withdrawn after the DSS boss reached out to their office.
“The new DG, DSS, Mr. Ajayi, reached out to us. He told my boss that the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI), which facilitated the early release of Order Paper’s admin officer, Ms. Edna Ulaeto, also played a key role. The people at Order Paper came to the DSS office, admitted their mistake, apologized, and promised to be more professional,” said the DPP officer.
From the visit of the Order Paper officials, the DSS boss further told my bosses, it was clear that the reporters were misled by less than credible sources in the National Assembly.
“Above all, added the DSS DG, the Order Paper management, on realizing their mistake, had quickly retracted the story. Being an adherent for civility, Mr. Tosin Ajayi therefore felt that the interventions by relevant professional bodies, including the IPI and Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the remorse by Order Paper, were sufficient to warrant the withdrawal of the charges,” the official of the Ministry of Justice declared.
News
Hardship: Men now collect marriage list from different families to get cheapest – Report
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In recent years, the age-old tradition of marriage has undergone a myriad of transformations, reflecting societal changes, economic conditions, and shifting values. One particularly intriguing trend emerging in some communities is the concept of men requesting “marriage lists” from multiple women. This practice, driven by a desire to evaluate potential marriage costs, raises several questions about tradition, love, and the commodification of relationships.
Marriage lists are essentially detailed accounts of the financial demands associated with a prospective marriage. These lists may include dowries, gifts, and other financial obligations that a groom or his family must meet. Traditionally, dowries were a way to secure the financial future of a bride and her family, but in contemporary settings, they can vary significantly based on cultural, regional, and individual factors.
Men requesting these lists from various women aims to assess which marriage would be the most economically feasible. This practice can stem from a combination of personal financial constraints, cultural expectations, and the desire to make informed decisions in an era where economic considerations are increasingly important.
In many cultures, marriage is not just a union of two individuals; it is a significant financial transaction involving families. While in some societies, love and companionship are the primary motivations for marriage, in others, financial considerations play a pivotal role. The practice of comparing marriage lists could be seen as a practical approach to ensuring financial stability, but it also risks reducing the complex institution of marriage to a mere transactional relationship.
The practice raises several ethical questions. First, is it fair to women to be evaluated based solely on financial demands? This approach can reinforce harmful stereotypes and perpetuate a culture where women’s worth is tied to monetary value. Additionally, it may lead to emotional detachment in relationships, prioritizing financial calculations over genuine compatibility and affection.
Moreover, this practice could create an environment of competition among women, fostering insecurities and undermining the foundational values of trust and love that are vital for a successful marriage.
On a practical level, the comparison of marriage costs can be influenced by economic realities. In times of financial uncertainty, individuals may feel compelled to prioritize financial security over emotional connection. This trend can also reflect broader societal changes, where economic factors increasingly dictate personal choices.
However, it’s essential to recognize that while financial considerations are valid, they should not overshadow the fundamental aspects of partnership—mutual respect, love, and shared goals.
While the practice of men requesting marriage lists from various women may appear to be a logical approach to navigating the complexities of modern relationships, it brings to light significant ethical, cultural, and emotional concerns. Marriage, at its core, is a partnership that thrives on connection and commitment, transcending financial considerations.
As society continues to evolve, it’s crucial to strike a balance between practical realities and the deeper values that define successful and fulfilling relationships. Ultimately, a marriage built on love and mutual respect will likely yield a more rewarding and lasting partnership than one anchored solely in economic calculations.
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