Use Abacha Loot to Revive Ajaokuta Steel company, Reps Member Tells FG
A lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Mr Hassan Saleh (APC, Benue) has advised the Federal Government to $322 million Abacha loot sent by the Swiss government to to revive Ajaokuta Steel company as against plan to disburse the money to vulnerable households in 19 states.
Speaking sequel to a motion raised by Mr Karimi Sunday (PDP, Kogi), Saleh advised the government to rather use the money to revive the Ajaokuta Steel company.
He said the plant will generate millions of jobs for Nigerians.
Speaking earlier, Mr Sunday frowned at the alleged decision to disburse the money to vulnerable in 19 states of the federation, stressing that the 1999 constitution empowers the legislature to determine how public money should be utilized.
According to him, the Swiss government and the Executive arm cannot decide for Nigeria on how the funds should be used.
The debate continued as members like Mr. Nkem Abonta (PDP, Abia), Mr. Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta) separately noted that the use of such money to feed the poor goes contrary to the Parliament’s power of appropriation.
“The National Assembly should wake up and come up with a program that will decide how the Abacha loot be spent”, Mr. Ossai said.
Following further debate, the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara put up a voice vote on the matter and the ‘ayes’ had it.
The adhoc committee is expected to report its findings to the House within six weeks for further legislative action.
Speaking sequel to a motion raised by Mr Karimi Sunday (PDP, Kogi), Saleh advised the government to rather use the money to revive the Ajaokuta Steel company.
He said the plant will generate millions of jobs for Nigerians.
Speaking earlier, Mr Sunday frowned at the alleged decision to disburse the money to vulnerable in 19 states of the federation, stressing that the 1999 constitution empowers the legislature to determine how public money should be utilized.
According to him, the Swiss government and the Executive arm cannot decide for Nigeria on how the funds should be used.
The debate continued as members like Mr. Nkem Abonta (PDP, Abia), Mr. Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta) separately noted that the use of such money to feed the poor goes contrary to the Parliament’s power of appropriation.
“The National Assembly should wake up and come up with a program that will decide how the Abacha loot be spent”, Mr. Ossai said.
Following further debate, the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara put up a voice vote on the matter and the ‘ayes’ had it.
The adhoc committee is expected to report its findings to the House within six weeks for further legislative action.
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