A bill to amend the Federal Character Commission establishment Act to provide for an equitable distribution of government projects across the country scaled second reading in the House of Representatives yesterday. Sponsored by Rep. Kaka Kyari Gujbawu (PDP, Borno), it seeks to provide for "unequivocal and equitable distribution of government projects and ensure greater efficiency in the performance of the functions of the commission."
Leading debate on the bill, Rep. Gujbawu said the legislation, if passed, will prevent public officers from using their offices to unfairly allocate disproportionate amount of budgeted fund to projects located in their constituency, state or geopolitical zones.
Expressing support for the bill, Rep. Betty Apiafi (PDP, Rivers), said the House should go further to stipulate penalty for breach of the act as the ones listed were outdated.
But Rep. Zakari Mohammed (PDP, Kwara) called for the rejection of the bill saying there were enough provisions in the 1999 constitution to take care of the amendment sought.
The bill was referred to the House Committee on Federal Character for further legislative input.
DailyTrust