Politics
NSIPA Amendment Bill Scales 2nd Reading In Senate
The National Social In vestment Programme Agency (NSIPA) Amendment Bill, 2023, yesterday, scaled through second reading at the Senate.
This followed the presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the bill sponsored by the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, at plenary yesterday.
The bill was entitled “National Social Investment Programme Agency (Establishment) Act 2023 (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (163).
Leading the debate, Bamidele moved a motion for the Senate to suspend its rule 78(1) in order to read the bill a second time.
The motion was supported by Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha.
Leading the debate, Bamidele said that the bill was read for the first time yesterday.
He said that the bill sought to amend the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act for proper and effective management and implementation of the National Social Investment Programmes under the President.
Opeyemi said that the NSIP was created in 2016 by the last administration while the National Social Programme Agency Act was enacted in 2023 to address socio-economic inequalities and alleviate poverty among Nigerians.
“It’s expected to address these inequalities through four social support programmes meant to empower the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians to attain an acceptable standard of living.
“This directly and indirectly have impacted the lives of poor Nigerians through its four cluster programmes namely, the N-POWER Programme, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).
“Others are the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) and the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (CCT),” he said.
Opeyemi said that the bill sought to amend sections 9(3), 14(1), 21(1), 22(1), 26(1) and 33 of the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act.
“This is by transferring the agency from the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to the Presidency under the direct supervision of the President, C-in-C.
“This amendment is as a result of the commitment of the renewed hope mantra of President Bola Tinubu in ensuring that Social Investment Programme are standard, transparent, effective and accountable structure of delivery.
“With this amendment, a wide range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including poverty reduction, education, health, social inclusion and empowerment can be achieved through the NSIPA.
“Countries the world over have recognised and deployed similar social support programmes as an effective strategy for poverty reduction, social development and economic growth.
“The passage of this bill will ensure continuity and sustainability of NSIPA as a reliable tool to solve poverty problems in Nigeria and also serve as an enduring legacy of this administration, “ he said.
In his contribution, Sen. Ahmad Lawan (APC-Yobe) said that those who should benefit from the programme were those who could not be reached since the country was talking about social inclusion.
“If the bill is to be passed, we must ensure the capturing of those to benefit and the National Assembly must monitor and participate in the entire process.
“Our relevant committees must be fully involved,” Lawan said.
Sen. Ali Ndume (APC-Borno), said that the role of all stakeholders including lawmakers should be spelt out in the bill.
“They should ensure efficient and effective implementation.”
On his part, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau commended the President for the amendment of the law and effort to domicile the programme in the Presidency.
“This is because the President has decided to work toward eradication of poverty and better the lot of ordinary Nigerians.
“So, let’s support the president to do what he wants to do by passing the bill,” he said.
In his remarks, President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, said that there was need to appraise the implementation of previous social intervention programmes and find ways to improve on it since government was continuous.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
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