National Water Resources Bill gazetted, returns to House

 

The House of Representatives is said to have gazetted the controversial National Water Resources Bill, 2020, preparatory to its second presentation for reconsideration when the House resumes on Tuesday.

This is according to a source at the Rules and Business Committee of the House who spoke to Vanguard at the weekend.

“The Bill (National Water Resources Bill) has now been gazetted to be presented again,” the source said.

The Bill was rejected on Tuesday, September 29, by a majority in the Green Chamber, but the co-sponsor of the polarising piece of legislation, Rep. Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa) who doubles as the Chairman, Committee on Rules and Business, quickly went back to business, to rework and reintroduce it. One of the key sponsors, is Rep. Sada Soli (APC-Katsina).

The legislative instrument which has faced a stiff opposition from groups across the country, it was learnt, is being pushed by the Northern Caucuses of both Houses of the National Assembly, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, associated herder groups, Ministry of Water Resources and some northern leaders.

“The Northern caucuses of the House and the Senate, herdsmen groups and other northern leaders, are pushing for the Bill,” the source added.

READ: Controversial National Water Resources Bill suffers setback, withdrawn