Reps Consider Maritime Varsity Bill For Passage, As IYC Hails Moves

The House of Representatives has considered for passage the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State (Establishment bill) into law, a development which douse controversy over the renaming of the bill.

BigPen Online learnt that the bill was among the ones considered for passage at the resume sitting of the House on Thursday but was deferred till next week plenary.

The bill was co-sponsored by Senator James Manager (Delta South) at the Senate and Honourable Daniel Reyenieju (Warri Federal Constituency) at the House of Representative.

Recalls that Attorney General of the federation, Abubukar Malami had in October, last year written a memo to the National Assembly, advising on strength of a court judgment that the name Okerenkoko on the bill should be renamed Okerenghigho following a petition by Itsekiri National Youth Council.

Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide has commended the House of Representatives for the development which will set the stage for President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the law so as to give legal backing to the university.

President of the IYC, Eric Omare described members of the House of Representative as patriots who subsumed personal interest in the interest of the nation especially the Niger Delta region.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State was one of the initiatives of previous governments to address the Niger Delta agitations so as to bring education closer to the people.

Hence, the IYC President, Omare called on the people of the Niger Delta region especially ethnic groups within Delta State to emulate members of the House of Representatives and set aside their grievances and work together as brothers and sisters towards the smooth take-off of the university.

“The Maritime University, Okerenkoko would definitely bring development to the area where it is sited, therefore, it is in the interest of all stakeholders especially youths to promote peace in our collective interest, he said.

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