Senate suspends consideration of contentious water resources bill

The senate, on Tuesday, stood down the consideration of the controversial water resources bill.

The bill, passed by the house of representatives, was sent to the upper legislative chamber for concurrence.

The legislation seeks to establish an act that will provide a regulatory framework for Nigeria’s water resources sector.

Among other things, it seeks to bring water resources — both surface and underground — and the banks of the water sources, under the control of the federal government.

Many Nigerians, including civil society organisations (CSO), have kicked against the proposal and asked lawmakers to shelve it.

The bill was first sent to the national assembly by the executive in the eighth session.

When Ibrahim Gobir, senate leader, moved a motion for the bill to be concurred to, James Manager, senator representing Delta south, and Gabriel Suswam, senator representing Benue north-west, objected to it.

They argued that the senate needed to see the details.

Suswam said: “I think if we are desirous of concurring to the bill, let us have it before us. So we can introduce the necessary amendments.

“Otherwise, we should step it down for the 10th assembly to consider it.”

Manager agreed with Suswam’s position, noting that it is important to see the details in order to make necessary adjustments.

“The devil is in the details. It is important to everybody,” the Delta senator said.

Gobir agreed with his colleagues.

Thereafter, the consideration of the bill was stood down.

The ninth upper legislative chamber only has Wednesday and Thursday to pass it, as the new 10th assembly will be inaugurated next week.