[dropcap]T[/dropcap]hat Bill by Buhari seeking for the FG to take absolute control of all surface and ground waters wherever they are found in Nigeria is a big blow to the widely accepted Restructuring Agenda, and must be resisted as presented.
The implications are far reaching. It simply means that even our village streams would be under the control of the federal government and they can ask the villagers to give up use of the streams at any time, probably for cattle herders, for instance, to have free access for their cattle to drink, a situation that might be exploited for another round of violence.
Let’s think ahead and join in condemning the Bill as it is written unless there are substantial amendments to it which would limit FG’s control only over waters that cross two States as earlier ruled by the Appeal Court.
Little wonder Senators from the north are already in support of it while those from the South are against it.
We must join voices to resist another draconian agenda of the federal government.
My major concern is that even Senators from Benue and Taraba who should know better are supporting the Bill as it is currently crafted.
Sad!
Benue and Taraba people must rise now and call their Senators to order before Nigerians are accused of not sympathising enough with them if this Bill is exploited by criminal elements to forment trouble.
It is even more unfortunate that this is Buhari’s first ever Bill to the national assembly. Knowing him full well, this Bill couldn’t have been crafted with pristine intentions.
The time to speak out and act is now!
Jude Ndukwe is a political analyst who lives and works in Abuja, Nigeria. He is a member of The Trent’s Elite Columnists. His column is published every Friday. He tweets from @stjudendukwe.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
