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HOUSE FROWNS AT ALLEGED DIVERSION OF FUNDS FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS, SUMMONS AGRICULTURE MINISTER OVER GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS

HOUSE FROWNS AT ALLEGED DIVERSION OF FUNDS FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS, SUMMONS AGRICULTURE MINISTER OVER GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS
The House of Representatives on Thursday, June 23, 2016 ordered its Committee on National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Debts and Aids, IDPs and Disaster Preparedness to immediately swing into action to investigate the allegation brought before it on the misappropriation and diversion of fund meant to cater for food supplies and other basic amenities for the Internally Displaced Persons in the North-East region of Nigeria. Following a matter of urgent public importance at the instance of Hon. Isa Jessie who informed that there have been reports of diversion of funds donated by the International Community to ameliorate the plight of the IDPs by the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), the investigation was ordered.

Hon. Jessie commended the efforts of the military in restoring peace and normalcy to the region, but regrets to note that the hardship, hunger and mal-nutrition of the IDPs have worsened despite the huge donations made by concerned bodies like the ICRC, United States Government, Dangote Foundation, World Bank, UNDP and UN to mention a few. He stated that if the development is not investigated and checked, the gamut of effort and resources geared toward rehabilitating and reconstructing the region would certainly end in futility.

In another development, the House has mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services, and Agricultural Production and Services to invite the Hon. Minister of Agriculture to educate Nigerians on the health hazards associated with genetically modified organisms and food supplements. The Agric Minister is also expected to answer some questions on why the Ministry issued permit to Monsanto Agriculture Nigeria Limited for the release and placing on market some genetically modified items despite American Cancer Society listing glyphosate among the herbicides linked to Cancer.

The resolution came on the heels of a motion moved by Hon. Chukwukere A. Ikechuckwu who expressed worry that genetically modified organisms and food supplements have started to gain their ways into our diets, noting that the development raises doubt regarding their safety. He informed that studies have shown that the sort of food have the potential of toxically affecting several organs and systems of the human body and may cause some toxic effects such as hepatic, pancreatic, renal or reproductive effects. He further asserted that the fact that the said supplements do not pass through medical or professional prescription makes it more worrisome.

The House also at the instance of a motion moved by Hon. Babajimi Benson resolved to urge the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to ensure significant mobilization of resources to equip and make functional all Youth Centres in the country while ensuring their spread. The resolution added that Committees on Youth Development and Poverty Alleviation should conduct an investigation into the activities and funding of the Centres and report back to the House within 8 weeks for further legislative action. 

The House of Representatives has however adjourned sitting for the Ramadan break to resume on July 12, 2016.

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