WorldStage Newsonline– The Nigeria Senate has halted the adoption of a report directing the National Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC), to suspend the ongoing implementation of the 200% increase in electricity tariff.
The legislature had a divergent view from the debate on the report of the Senate committee on power over the need to halt the proposed increase by distribution companies, these led to the resolve of the lawmakers to stop any deliberation on the report because the matter was now before the courts.
The committee, which was chaired by Senator. Enyinnaya Abaribe, recommended that (NERC) and the DisCos should suspend the new tariff regime to “allow for robust consultation with customers on the various bands on the cost of service instead of heavy reliance on feeder location and duration of service, which are difficult to determine and monitor.”
The suspension of the report of the committee came after Chairman Rules and Business Senator Titus Tartenger drew the attention of the Senate to Order 52 of its standing rules, saying that the order restrains lawmakers from entertaining any matter before a court of law and supported by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
“A Federal High Court in Kano has already directed NERC to halt the implementation of the tariff.
“When a matter is pending in court, let’s allow the judiciary to perform its role.
“There are converging issues in this report. We can’t be the judge here; we are to make laws.
Let’s step down this report on the grounds that it’s subjudice”, Ibrahim told his colleagues at the session, which was presided over by the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin.
This however, led to the DSP, Jibrin, opted to exercise caution by advising that there was no need for the Senate to rush the consideration of the report, but should first seek the opinion of its legal department.
“If there is a court order stopping the increase in tariff, we need to look at both sides.
“We need to consult our legal department and get the way forward. We will step down the report”, he ruled.
The report was subsequently stood down till further notice.
NORTH-WEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Meanwhile, the Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish the North West Development Commission (NWDC).
The bill was passed on Thursday, by the upper chamber after it considered a report presented by the committee on special duties, chaired by Senator Kaka Shehu.
The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) was established following the devastation of the north-east by Boko Haram insurgents.
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, announced the establishment after a majority of the lawmakers supported it through a voice vote.
Presenting the report, Mr Shehu, the Senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District, said the bill is aimed at stimulating socio-economic development in the North-west geo-political zone.
“The intent and purpose of the bill is structured for the socio-development of the north-west geo-political zone.
“It is recommended that the senate do approve of the bill” the senator added.
After consideration of clauses in the bill, the deputy senate president stressed that the establishment of the commission seeks to repair the infrastructure which has been ravaged by insurgents in the North-western states.
“You are aware of devastation in the zone due to the activities of bandits and Boko Haram. The infrastructure is completely destroyed and this is the food basket of the nation.
“If we are serious about food security we should pay attention,” Mr Barau added.
He also urged members of the House of Representatives to pass the bill when it is transmitted for concurrence.
“It is hoped that the report will now be taken – and the house of representatives will give concurrence.” The deputy senate added.
If the bill scales through legislative hurdles in House, it will be part of the commissions established for intervention in geopolitical zones.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was established to intervene on issues and development in the Niger Delta areas.
There has also been an attempt to establish the South East Development Commission.
