Deregulation sparks row at House of Reps – The Guardian
November 13, 2009 by Bunmi Awolusi
The proposed deregulation of the nation’s oil sector by the Federal Government, yesterday, created tension in the House of Representatives with the Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, cautioning members over alleged unguarded comments on the issue. Tempers also rose in the chamber over supplementary budget for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Bankole’s warning came as a result of a complaint raised by the member representing Kabba /Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in Kogi State, Dino Melaye, to the effect that the Chairman of the Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Clever Ikisikpo, granted an interview where he said that the House would support deregulation. Melaye said he would want to place it on record that there was no time such decision was taken in the chamber and would dissociate himself from the said decision.
The Speaker asked Ikisikpo to offer an explanation on the matter and the latter admitted granting the said interview, adding that it was the resolution of his committee. The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Aro Bamidele, said at no time was such decision taken by the committee, pointing out that it was embarrassing to the other committee members. “I am embarrassed, just like other members of the committee that the chairman could grant such interview when the issue is yet to be debated on the floor of this chamber. Let me say that the committee did not discuss anything about deregulation. It is not the position of the committee.”
