The House of Representatives has rejected a proposal to remove N300 billion from the federation account to assist the humanitarian crisis in Borno following the devastating flood disaster in Maiduguri, the state capital......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The flood, which followed the collapse of the Alau Dam, led to the death of over 40 persons and caused severe damage to the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, the Maiduguri Correctional Centre, and other public institutions.
During a plenary sitting on Wednesday, Amos Magaji, the member representing Jaba/Zangon/Kataf Federal Constituency, moved a motion of urgent public importance, highlighting the impact of the flooding on houses, markets, and health facilities. He particularly emphasized the damage to the Maiduguri University Teaching Hospital, noting that the renowned Cancer Centre, which houses high-end equipment, was submerged, and the facility’s power supply had collapsed due to the flooding.
Magaji argued that urgent intervention is necessary to address the devastation at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, as the people of Borno State are at risk of succumbing to disease outbreaks resulting from the flooding. In response to the motion, Inuwa Garba, the member representing Yamaltu Deba Federal Constituency in Gombe State, proposed an amendment urging the Federal Government to provide a special grant of N300 billion to cushion the effect of the humanitarian disaster. However, the amendment was rejected by the House when put to a voice vote by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Yusuf Gagdi, the lawmaker representing Kanke/Pankshin/Kanam Federal Constituency in Plateau State, described the tragedy as worrisome, emphasizing that people have been displaced and businesses lost. He acknowledged the efforts of the government and well-meaning individuals but stressed that the gap left by the disaster cannot be fully addressed. Ahmed Satomi, a Borno lawmaker representing Jere Federal Constituency, thanked contributors for their support but emphasized the need for serious intervention to tackle the level of damage done.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to address the needs of the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, renovate the Shehu of Borno Palace, the Maiduguri Correctional Centre, and other affected health facilities. The House also mandated its Committees on Health Institutions, Power, Renewable Energy, Insurance and Actuaries Matters, and Legislative Compliance to ensure strict compliance with the resolution.