Paschal Emeka, Abuja | February 1, 2023
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, and Establish Federal Medical Centre, Daura, Kastina State; and for Related Matters (HB.2125) has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
The Bill was sponsored by Rep. Fatuhu Muhammed and Hon. Nasiru Sani Zongo Daura
Debating the bill during plenary on Tuesday in Abuja, Rep. Fatuhu Mohammed moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Ahmed Munir.
However, Rep. Babangida Ibrahim in speaking against the Bill stated that he had earlier brought forward a motion for the proposed medical center to be relocated to Funtua as Daura already has some medical centers to cater to people in the region.
The Deputy Speaker, Rep. Ahmed Idris reminded Rep. Babangida Ibrahim that he had earlier told him when he brought up his motion that he cannot amend such a Bill through a motion.
Rep. Fatuhu Mohammed in exercising his right of reply stated that the Bill is to upgrade an already existing facility and not to build a new one in Daura which he said has a high population in dire need of the services of the institute.
Rep. Toby Okechukwu called for understanding between Rep. Fatuhu Mohammed and Rep. Babangida Ibrahim as the Bill stands on its own. The facility he stated cannot be transferred to Funtua as it is already in existence and not to be freshly established.
Rep. Nkem Abonta while praising the Bill called for the consideration of Rep. Babangida Ibrahim’s views and concerns and for the House to find an amicable solution.
Rep. Chinyere Igwe stated that Rep. Babangida Ibrahim was in his right to seek the relocation of the center to Funtua.
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa called on Rep. Ibrahim Babangida to come up with a fresh Bill to cater to the need of those in Funtua.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila called on the House to make the right decision on the matter as both Rep. Mohammed Fatuhu and Rep. Babangida Ibrahim have the responsibility to attract federal presence to their constituencies.
The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.