BEVERLY HILLS, CA, May 28, (THEWILL) – A Bill for an Act to establish a Security Trust Fund for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was passed Wednesday for the second reading in the House of Representatives.
The Bill, when eventually passed into law, is to create a platform that will facilitate the flow of additional funds to the fight against insecurity within the nation’s capital.
Presenting the bill for second reading at the plenary, Hon. Yusuf, submitted that the bill, if passed into law, would allow the FCT administration to have access to a pool of fund through special subventions from the Federal Government as well as contributions from corporate organisations without recourse to the National Assembly’s approval as in the case of supplementary appropriations.
“There’s nowhere in the world where government alone handles the issue of security. That’s why communities set up Trust Funds to augment whatever efforts government makes in providing security forthe citizenry,” he said.
Supporting the bill, Minority Whip, Hon. Samson Osagie, (APC, Edo), said: “it’s a very well intentioned bill calculated to make the issue of security a more efficient one for the benefit of residents. One of the major hindrances of fighting insecurity in the country and indeedthe FCT is lack of fund.
“I believe strongly that if this Trust Fund is properly managed, devoid of the corrupt tendencies that characterises our civil or public service system, I’m sure the security of lives and property in the FCT would be guaranteed,” he said.
Supporting the bill, Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaya (PDP, Kaduna), noted that: “It is very important for us at all time to see the issue of security of lives, especially in Abuja with adequate priority. The Trust Fund can be funded through contributions from corporate bodies where this money would be put in one basket from where government can draw to tackle any challenge that security may throw at us from time to time.”
While opposing the motion, Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos), argued that the problem of insecurity in the country is corruption, saying until corruption is fought to a standstill, the bill, if passed into law, would not be of help. He also challenged the constitutionality of such a bill.
Hon. Ossai Ossai (PDP, Delta), who also kicked against the bill, submitted that it should be consigned to the ‘dustbin of history’ because it lacks substance and clear direction.
However when the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, put the bill to question, the ayes overwhelmed the nays and it was referred to the committee on FCT and Finance for further legislative action.
