Members of the House of Representatives have vowed to continue to create universities and tertiary institutions in their constituencies despite the inability of the federal government to settle ASUU.
On Thursday, a motion to suspend all bills
seeking the establishment of universities was moved by the Speaker of the
House, Femi Gbajabiamila but was rejected by the members of the House.
Gbajabiamila warned that lawmakers cannot
continue to create universities in their respective constituencies to fulfil
campaign promises.
Raising a motion against Gbajabiamila’s
opinion, the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris said any attempt to stop members from
sponsoring tertiary education bills could put the political ambition of members
in jeopardy.
“You know how politicians behave sir. When
some people don’t hear their community mentioned, whether the bill will be
signed or not, it is also negative, politically,” he said.
Similarly, the Minority Leader, Ndudi
Elumelu also opposed it. He said constituents expect lawmakers to facilitate
the establishment of schools.
“In my opinion, I think it is not wise to
shut down every voice or every member on this floor as it relates to sponsoring
a bill for the establishment of either college of education or polytechnic or
university in their various communities,” he said.