By Sunny Anderson Osiebe...
The House of Representatives has constituted an Ad hoc Tactical
Committee to monitor the various steps and policies of Government geared
towards abating the hardship being experienced by Nigerians as a result
of economic recession. The Committee which was set up following the
prayers of a motion moved by the Chairman, Rules and Business Committee
of the House, Hon. Emmanuel Oker-Jev at plenary on Thursday, January 26,
2017 is also charged with the responsibility of interacting with
critical Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs), the Manufacturer
Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Labour Congress, Civil Society
Organizations and indeed any other body considered relevant to arrest
the untold hardship in the country and restore growth and stability in
the economy.
Oker-Jev stated that in tune
with the directive principles and fundamental objectives of State
policies encapsulated in the Constitution and as Representatives of the
people, the parliament is under obligation to initiate pro-active steps
in tandem with the policies and plans of Government to ameliorate the
sufferings of the citizenry as a result of the economic woes facing the
nation. " Members cannot claim to be oblivious of the hardships
Nigerians currently face as a result of the skyrocketing prices of
foodstuffs, transportation, petroleum products and other essential
commodities which have left children, women and the common man worst
hit" he stated.
He further informed that yet
another implications of the recession is the fact commercial banks have
recently reviewed upwards the interest paid on credits to the rate of
27-30%, plus the highly polarized and depreciating exchange rate between
the Naira and the Dollar. He added that if urgent steps are not taken
to address these issues, the economy is poised to slide into stagflation
or depression to say the least. The Lawmaker urged the House to set up
the Ad hoc Tactical Committee to monitor the steps taken as well as the
seriousness of Government towards arresting the situation and returning
the economy to the path of growth and viability.
Lending
his voice to the important motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon.
Yakubu Dogara appreciated the fact that the chamber is concerned about
the suffering of the people. While decrying the height of hardship being
experienced by Nigerians across the Federation, he suggested that the
House holds a sectoral debate on steps and policies taken to get the
nation out of recession, whereby key Ministers and top Government
functionaries will be invited to address the House on efforts made in
this regard. He added that it would also be wise if the Committee
reports back to the House within 3 months for timely legislative action.
Meanwhile,
the House has adjourned to resume plenary on February 21, 2017. The
reason for the short recess from plenary according to the Speaker is to
enable the Chamber pay more attention to the passage of the 2017 budget
at the Committee levels.
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