The House of Representatives at its plenary on Tuesday withdrew the Water Resources Control Bill which it passed two months ago.
Sequel to the adoption of a Matter of Privilege raised by Rep. Benjamin Mzondu (PDP-Benue), the House unanimously resolved to gazette the bill for reconsideration.
Mzondu argued that the bill was not gazetted and that clear copies of the bill were not circulated to all members.
The lawmaker said that a 2020 bill should have passed first and second reading, be subjected to public hearing before its consideration at the Committee of the Whole and passed.
“My privilege has been breached because I was denied the opportunity of seeing the bill before it passed.
“The House Rules is clear and unambiguous, Order 12 Rule 16, 17 and 18 is expressly clear on the gazetting Bills.
“I therefore, move that the bill be completely expunged or be gazetted and subjected to public hearing,” he said.
In his contribution, Rep. Nkem Abonta (PDP-Abia), said that the procedure contradicted the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He argued that rule of the House was also breached in the way and manner it passed, saying that it should be withdrawn.
However, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Water, Rep. Sada Soli (APC-Katsina), said that the right process was followed before the bill was passed.
