Assembly passes Delta social investment programme bill

The Delta House of Assembly on Thursday passed the state Social Investment Programme (SIP) Bill. This followed the adoption of the report of the House Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs/Girl child Entrepreneur and Humanitarian support services, Trade and Investment and Special committee at plenary.Presenting the report, the Chairperson, Mrs Bridget Anyafulu, said that the bill passed through second reading on Nov. 28 and was committed to the committee for further legislative scrutiny.She said that the committee met and thoroughly examined the provisions of the bill from the title to the last clause and schedule of the bill.Anyafulu also said that the committee interacted with the private and public sectors to get inputs to the bill.She also said that the bill would provide a legal framework for the establishment of social investment committee designed to provide social security as well as help to alleviate poverty in the state.

The Majority Leader, Mr Emeka Nwaobi, moved for the suspension of Orders 12, Rule 82 and 83 of the House to enable it to take the third reading and pass the bill.
Mr Matthew Omonade (APC-Ughelli North I) seconded the motion which was unanimously adopted when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.
Guwor said that the bill would go a long way in alleviation poverty in the state.