Bill On Establishment Of Northeast Development Commission Scales Second Reading

Yakubu Dogara

A bill seeking the establishment of the Northeast Development Commission sponsored by Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara scaled a second reading yesterday.

According to Dogara, the commission would be responsible for receiving and managing funds from the Federation Account allocation for the Northeast States of Adamawa, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Taraba and Bauchi, and will focus on the development of States in the region, as well as shoulder responsibilities of managing international donor funds for settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency.

The bill was unanimously passed when it was put to a voice vote by the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Yussuff Lasun, after House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, Deputy Whip, Pally Iriase as well as Mohammad Monguno and Uzoma Ike Abonta among others spoke in favour of the bill.

Boko Haram insurgency has ravaged the north east region since 2009. Over 15,000 people have been killed in terror attacks across the country. More than 1.5 million people have also been rendered homeless.