On Thursday, the Delta House of Assembly passed the state Social Investment Programme (SIP) Bill.

This followed the adoption of the report of the House Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs/Girl Child Entrepreneur and Humanitarian Support Services, Trade and Investment and Special Committee at plenary.

Presenting the report, the chairperson, Bridget Anyafulu, said the bill passed through a second reading on November 28 and was committed to the committee for further legislative scrutiny.

She said the committee met and thoroughly examined the bill’s provisions, from the title to the last clause and schedule.

Ms Anyafulu also said the committee interacted with the private and public sectors to get input on the bill.

She also mentioned that the bill would provide a legal framework for establishing a social investment committee designed to provide social security and help alleviate poverty in the state.

The majority leader, Emeka Nwaobi, moved to suspend Orders 12, Rules 82 and 83 of the parliament to enable it to take the third reading and pass the bill.

Matthew Omonade (APC-Ughelli North I) seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted when put to a voice vote by the speaker, Dennis Guwor.

Mr Guwor said the bill would go a long way in alleviating poverty in the state.

(NAN)