An official of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ken Robinson, has vowed that the people of the Niger Delta would resist any attempt to pass the Water Resources Bill, which is being reintroduced to the National Assembly.
Speaking on Arise Television in an interview on the Reintroduced Water Resources Bill, Robinson said the passage of the bill would be for the betterment of a section of the country through the Federal Government to the detriment of other parts of the country, particularly the Niger Delta region.
He said, “We cannot have the Water Resources Bill under any disguise”.
He argued that considering that laws were being misguided and abused, the passage of the bill was a direct call to anarchy.
He faulted the composition of the directors of the new NNPC Ltd, saying it showed marginalisation of the people of the Niger Delta.
He queried the appointment of no fewer than seven people from a section of the country, saying it breaches the principle of equity, fairness and justice.
The PANDEF spokesman said the Water Resources Bill was another form of RUGA which should not be allowed to stand as current developments in the country suggest a grand desire to take over arable land and water resources of some parts of the country by the Federal Government, adding that if the bill was allowed to make its way to passage, whatever the consequences would be should be received in good faith by the Federal Government.
Arguing on the claim that the bill is in conformity with global best practices, Robinson said it was important for the government to introduce best practices in the country by ensuring inclusiveness in governance, ensuring the protection of lives and property, despite religious differences and geographical location, and directing attention to the principle of justice and fairness.
On his part, former Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, argued that there was nothing to fear about the Water Resources Bill as it was a good idea and an economic programme geared towards harnessing the resources of water across the country.
Enang’s position, which was basically on the side of the government, stated that the water that flows into the Niger Delta area has its tributaries in the River Niger and Chad, adding that the content of the Water Resources Bill was a standard practice globally and that Nigerians have a lot to benefit from it.
He juxtaposed the River Basin Authorities established in 1976, nearly five decades ago to the reintroduced Water Resources Bill.
He said the passage of the bill would boost animal husbandry and support crop production.
The law establishing the River Basin Development Authorities mandated 11 agencies to develop water resources to boost agricultural productions, especially irrigable crops.
The Water Resources Bill was first introduced in the National Assembly in the 7th and 8th Assembly, and was outrightly rejected as a result of public outcry.
It was reintroduced on June 29, 2022, with same controversy and rejection trailing its reintroduction.