Honorable Sam Onuigbo, member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal constituency, has given an insight into the Climate Change Bill (Act) which he sponsored.
The bill which had series of setback, was assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, November 18, 2021.
Speaking on AFTELEVISON programme, ‘Focal Point’ anchored by Nancy Okafor in Abuja, the Chief Sponsor of the bill who doubles as the President, GLOBE Nigeria and Chairman, Climate Parliament, noted that the drastic effect of climate change; erosion especially rural communities, drove him into pushing for the bill to be passed into law.
He described climate change as a life issue which affects communities, and individuals’ means of livelihood.
Onuigbo cited his community, Obohia- Ibere, Ikwuano which has 6 active erosion sites that has affected residents, restricting them access to their farms, markets, etc.
“We have 6 active erosion sites. And if you move around the other parts, it has devastated very many areas… it has cut some communities into two so that they can no longer access their farms. Other areas affected by erosion include; Ariam Usaka, Umunwanwa in Umuahia south.
He said the level of the erosion pushed him to move two motions in the 8th and 9th assembly.
“In that motion I specifically requested the federal government to intervene in tackling the menace, it is not just erosion, this one is that the erosion has taken a specified chunk of the area, covering where they have petroleum pipelines. So, the danger is that if this is not handled well, if it collapses, it has a potential of causing fire and killing people”
He noted that the effect of climate change has displaced residents especially in the riverine areas, adding to the spate of insecurity in the country.
The honorable member noted that the bill faced challenge of accent, however, he expressed fulfillment as the bill has gotten assent.
It provides for;
Nature-based solutions such as REDD+ and environmental-economic accounting,
Establishment of a national council, secretariat on climate change
Development of a carbon budget for Nigeria for a net zero emission between 2050-2070
Setting up a climate change fund
Provide checks and balances through oversight and others.
The speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, had described the Climate Change bill as life changing which will protect the environment. He said this during the conferment of an award of excellence in legislation on Hon. Sam Onuigbo for his doggedness in the passage of the bill.
Speaking further on the 2023 general elections, the Onuigbo affirmed that the newly amended electoral Act will aid in electronic transmission of election results, which will in turn make peoples votes count.
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