‘Rejected’ south-east commission bill passes second reading at senate

Although the house of representatives rejected the bill seeking to establish the South-East Development Commission, it passed second reading at the senate on Wednesday.

The bill passed after it was put to a voice vote by Bukola Saraki, senate president.

It was sponsored by Stella Oduah and Sam Anyawu, representatives of Anambra north and Imo east senatorial districts.

Before the bill was passed, senators could not debate it because they were close to adjourning their session for Wednesday.

After the bill passed, Saraki said lawmakers have the responsibility to ensure the unity of the country.

The senate president said though the issues go beyond the bill, more work should be done to unite the country.

“The unity and development of a nation go beyond a bill. I want us all to see that we owe the responsibility to ensure the unity of this country,” he said. We all have that role to play. In doing this as a

“We all have that role to play. In doing this as a senate, we are showing that we are ready to show that we are ready to look at the pros and cons of the issues.

“But I think the issues go beyond just this bill. Distinguished colleagues, as some celebrate for this, we have to do more work. There are people that we are leading and we must go back and play our own role in uniting this country.

“Having commissions all over the country might not bring the results that we need.”

The senate president referred the bill to the committee on establishment and public matters which is expected to report back in four weeks.