The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to release the N10bn voted in the 2019 Appropriation Act for the rehabilitation of people and communities affected by banditry in Zamfara State. The House made the call at the plenary on Thursday after adopting a motion moved by Mr Bello Shinkafi, based on the recent visit by a delegation led by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the affected areas.
Adopting the motion, the lawmakers resolved to commend the Speaker for his leadership initiative and expression of love for the people of Zamfara, as exhibited during his visit to assess the situation and influence fruitful peace process. They also urged the Federal Ministry of Finance to “release the N10bn budgetary allocation for Zamfara State as captured in the 2019 Appropriation Act, in order to facilitate and fast-track the process of the rehabilitation and resettlement of victims of insecurity in Zamfara State,” while mandating the House Committee on Finance to ensure compliance.
Shinkafi, while moving the motion, said, “The insecurity has destroyed the social values and economic standing of the state as well as the means of livelihood of millions of people, such that the focus should now be on peace initiative to ensure the rebuilding, resettlement and rehabilitation of the ravaged parts of the state. “The House is concerned that the economic situation in the state is pathetic, which accounted for the provision of N10bn in the 2019 Appropriation Act, for the resettlement and rehabilitation of the ravaged state. Economic empowerment through rehabilitation and resettlement is key to attaining sustainable peace in the state.”
