…Embarks on oversight visit
… Addressing challenges of IDPs needs political will, collaboration of relevant stakeholders – Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim
BY OBUTE JAMES
The House of Representatives Committee on Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs. Refugees and Migrants under the Chairmanship of Hon. Umar Mohammed Jega has urged the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and other relevant government bodies to come up with databank as well as expedite actions to rehabilitate, reintegrate and resettle into the society IDPs.
Hon. Umar Jega who represnts Gwandu/Aliero/Jega Federal Constituency of Kebbi State made this known on Tuesday 2nd November, 2021 during the oversight visit of his committee to the Head office of the commission.
Jega said the oversight visit of the lawmakers to the relevant places becomes necessary as it enables the them to know whether the government bodies are up and doing in relation to the Appropriation Act.
Jega told journalists in an interview that his committee needs to know how far government bodies under his committee have done in relation to 2021 Appropriation Act before deliberating on the 2022 budget proposal.
Hon. Jega was accompanied with over 10 House of Representatives members.
Similarly, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim said
strengthening of internal framework; streamlining and synchronizing of existing data; standardized digitalization; sustainable and durable solution and strategic partnership for resource mobilization remain renewed vision of the commission under her leadership.
She said with political will of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and collaboration of relevant stakeholders, she believes they will be able to achieve the desired results.
Parts of the remarks of Hon. Umar Jega during the oversight visit of his committee on Tuesday 2nd November, 2021 read below.
“Let me start with constitutional provision reminding you of the power vested on the Committee to carry out legislative oversight and that is exactly what we came here to do now.
“In pursuant of section (88) and (89) of the constitution of federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). Legislative oversight is a critical tool of the legislature to ensure compliance with legislation by the executive arms of government (that is Appropriation Acts).
“The Hon. Federal commissioner, Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons is required to give progress report and performance of 2021 fiscal year, Budget compliance and implementation report as follows:
“Total appropriations and Releases(capital and recurrent from January to date).
“Details on the implementation of both capital and recurrent budget stating clearly the procurement procedure followed.
“Warrant of releases and authority to incurred expenditure (AIEs).
“Impacts and achievements in the resettlements and re=integration of refugees and internally displaced persons and the provisions of durable solution towards self-reliance.
“Details of any collaborations with any development partner local or international in the provision of humanitarian interventions.
“In view of the foregoing the house committee will henceforth track, check every sub-head to ensure compliance to the 2021 Appropriation Acts.
“This oversight effort is not a one-off event but the first in the series of engagement to ensure compliance with the necessary provision of the constitution such as section 14 (3), Procurement Act and other extant laws to assist this administration of President Muhammad Buhari (GCFR) towards resettlement and re-integration of all refugee and Internally Displaced Persons back to their communities.
“Consequently, you are to share with the committee the challenges you are encountering and obstacles if any towards realisation of your mandate.
“Finally we wish to remind the commission that your success is our success and the ninth national assembly under the Leadership of Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila has made if a duty and part of Legislative agenda to resettle and reintegrate all forms of displacement (refugees and internally displaced persons) within these Legislative frame work.”