November 24, (THEWILL) – Members of the the House of Representatives on Wednesday, rejected a bill which seeks to permit Nigerians to drag the government to court over failure to provide social welfare.
The bill sought to make justiciable the fundamental objectives as contained in sections 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Section 16 specifically provides that “The State shall direct its policy towards ensuring – that suitable and adequate shelter, suitable and adequate food, reasonable national living minimum wage, old age care and pensions, unemployment and sick benefits and welfare of the disabled are provided for all citizens.”
The passage of the bill would have altered the Constitution in such a manner that citizens can approach the court for failure of government to provide basic needs.
However, the bill, sponsored by Sergius Ogun from Edo State. was rejected at Wednesday’s plenary.
Speaking against the bill, Herman Hembe from Benue State, said the bill is seeking to make Nigeria a socialist state, noting socialism has never worked anywhere.
“Socialism never worked, it has only collapsed countries. The only thing that works is a system where people are allowed to work”, he said.
On his part, Nicholas Ossai argued that the bill should be allowed to pass, while experts advise the committee on the bill.
Following a debate on the bill, it was put to question and rejected by voice votes.
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