PIB, Electoral Act: Deputy Speaker hails northern lawmakers

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Idris Ahmed Wase has commeded northern states members of the House for protecting and promoting the interest of the North in ensuring the eventual passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, and the Electoral Act Amendment Bill despite stiff oppositions from their counterparts from the South.

It was gathered that the congratulatory message was sent on behalf of Hon Wase by his Chief of Staff, Aminu Malle to the lawmakers through their WhatsApp group at the weekend.

Investigation showed that in the recently passed PIB, Northern Nigeria’s quest for oil received a huge boost as Section 9 of the bill states that at least 30 per cent of the profit generated by the proposed Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited will go to the exploration of oil in “frontier basins,” which are mostly Northern states.

However, the demand by oil-producing communities in the South for five per cent of the profit of oil firms was cut down to three per cent

Similarly, iin the Electoral Act, lawmakers from the northern states also kicked against the compulsory electronic transmission of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission, arguing that many Northern states had weak Internet penetration.

It had been argued in quarters that electronic transmission of results would reduce incidents of rigging.

However in the message circulated by Hon Wase’s chief of staff, the northern lawmakers were praised for protecting the interest of the North and showing unity.

The message read: “On behalf of the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase and the Northern Caucus leader Hon. Musa Sarki Adar, I am directed to write and formally congratulate and appreciate all the Northern caucuses for standing firm through their wisdom and strength to ensure the Northern interest in both PIB and Electoral Act is adequately placed in a position of advantage

“There is no doubt a house united will forever get whatever it wants, giving [sic] the advantage we have in size. May God Almighty continue to unite and bind us stronger. May He bless and reward us all abundantly. Remain blessed and wish you the best holidays and Sallah celebrations. Thank you all.”

The 17 Southern Governors had met recently and insisted that the electronic transmission of results must stand and as well kicked against the allocation of 30 per cent of NNPC’s profits to oil exploration.

Efforts made to speak with the Hon Wase’s Chief of staff, Aminu Malle, over the matter proved abortive as several calls to him were not successful while the spokesperson to the Deputy Speaker, Umar Puma, could also not be reached as of press time.

However, a ranking member of the House of Representatives from the Northeast confirmed the receipt of the WhatsApp message on Friday night but described it is as normal in any democratic set up.