An official of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Ken Robinson says that the people of the Niger Delta will 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 on Monday, Robinson said the passage of the bill will 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 are being misguided and abused, the passage of the bill is a direct call to anarchy.
He faulted the composition of the new NNPC Nig 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 is 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 is allowed to make its way to passage, whatever the consequences will be should be received in good faith by the Federal Government .
Arguing on the issue 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 life and property, despite Religious differences and geographical location and directing attention to the principle of justice and fairness.
On his part, Senator Ita Enang, former Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters argued that there was nothing to fear about the Water Resources Bill as it is 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 states 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 is a standard practice globally and that Nigerians have a lot to benefit from it.
Enang juxtaposed the River Basin Authorities established in 1976 , nearly 5 decades ago to the Reintroduced Water Resources Bill.
He said the passage of the bill will boost animal husbandry and support crop production.
The law establishing the River Basin Development Authorities mandated eleven agencies to develop water resources to boost agricultural productions.espsecially 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.
