Press Statement
DO NOT AMBUSH NIGERIANS
The Nigeria Labour Congress joins patriotic voices across the country in calling on the leadership of the National Assembly not to resurrect or cause to be passed into law the Water Bill because of the danger it portends to national unity.
Information in the public domain has it that the National Assembly leadership is working surreptitiously with vested interests outside the Assembly anxious to pass the bill without due legislative process.
Although the National Assembly is constitutionally vested with law-making, we warn against the National Assembly ambushing Nigerians.
We equally warn against legislative abuse or betrayal of Nigerians as this is what it will amount to if the bill is passed or caused to be passed without public engagement and scrutiny. Already, the sentiments expressed against this bill are too grave to be brushed off.
We recall that this bill was rejected in 2018 with very good reasons. Although there is no law against re-presentation of a killed or rejected bill, however, given the strong sentiments expressed against this bill from practically all sections of the country, then and now, we would strongly advise that this bill should not be resurrected.
We have in our hands at the moment enough challenges to court fresh and costly controversy.
Although, legislation is one of the three constitutional functions of the National Assembly, it should not be a licence to dictatorship but a representation of the will, aspirations and sensitivities of the populace.
In light of this, we state unambiguously that the National Assembly should listen to the voice of reason by resting this bill.
As a pan-Nigerian organisation, we would continue to work assiduously for unity, development, justice and accountable leadership.
Comrade Ayuba Wabba, mni
President
28th August 2020