Abuja -The House of Representatives on Wednesday in Abuja urged the Federal Government to set up a development agenda for rebuilding states affected by insurgency in the North-East.
The call emanated from a motion sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara (Bauchi-APC) and 87 other lawmakers.
Dogara expressed worry that the activities of insurgents since 2009 had devastated the area, destroying lives and property as well as destroying the economy of the region.
He explained that the development had also led to the displacement of people and their means of livelihood, torture of persons and absolute violation of human rights.
According to Dogara, the terrorist activities have led to the displacement of no fewer than five million people, especially women and children, and creation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in many places.
He, therefore, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to set up machinery for the establishment of a North-East Development Commission.
“This can be achieved through an Executive Bill as soon as possible to take care of the reconstruction, rehabilitation, recovery and development of the North-East zone.
“The North-East zone of Nigeria requires an urgent, methodical and well-planned rescue programme of action in order to rebuild the massive destruction that has taken place,’’ he said.
The speaker explained that the commission could function effectively with robust financing mechanisms which should include a percentage of the reserve fund and special contribution by companies.
According to him, others will include contributions from donor agencies, international non-governmental organisations, development partners, and other funding options that meet the challenges facing the zone.
He also commended the Nigerian military’s collaboration with Cameroun, Niger and Chad to recover the territories lost to the terrorists.
“However, military operation continues, but need for rehabilitation and reconstruction of destroyed areas is urgent,’’ he explained.
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Dogara also expressed concern that lack of policy framework setting out responsibilities in terms of IDPs’ protection and assistance, hampered humanitarian and development response.
The motion was unanimously adopted by members of the house.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Government and some private concerns had initiated schemes to provide economic opportunities and humanitarian support as antidote to terrorism.
The schemes include the Presidential Initiative for North-East (PINE) to counter violent extremism, Almajiri Education Programme to build 400 schools for Almajiri community in the country and Safe Schools Initiative. (NAN)