Restructuring: Reps Consider Devolution Of Powers To Douse Biafra Agitations

As part of ways to douse the rising agitation for a sovereign nation by members of the Independent People Of Biafra, IPOB in the south eastern region of the country, the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, resolved to revisit the devolution of power bill.

Recall that both the Senate and the House of Representatives had during votes on items to be amended in the 1999 Constitution, voted out devolution of powers to states.

But the lower chamber, in a matter of urgent public importance raised by the leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, said it will revisit the bill in order to curb the agitations.

“These agitations have resulted into proscription of groups, loss of lives and judicial pronouncements,” Mr. Gbajabiamila said.

“Events of the last few weeks brought Nigeria close to the precipice but for the determination of Nigerians in their various show of commitment to the peace and unity of the country. Hence the urgent need for the intervention of the House of Representatives,” the lawmaker ‎said.

He urged his fellow members whom he said hold brief for their teeming constituents to drop partisan politics, ethnic and religious interests and speak in one voice to save Nigeria from disintegration.

Similarly, the speaker of the house, Yakubu Dogara, commended religious and traditional rulers, leaders of various ethnic nationalities, elder statesmen, security agencies, the governors and governments of the states for their display of statesmanship during the IPOB agitation.

“Indeed all patriotic Nigerians rose in unison to uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens to move freely and reside in any part of the federation as they choose, without let or hindrance.

“It appears to me that the citizens of this great country have sounded the message loud and clear that they stand for a united, prosperous and just Nigeria,” Dogara said.