ELEKEOKWURI MAKE CASE AS DELTA STATE CONSUMER RIGHTS PROTECTION BILL SCALES THROUGH SECOND READING

The Delta State Consumer Rights Protection Bill has passed second reading at the State House of Assembly.

The bill scaled through following an extensive debate on the merits of the bill at the floor of the House presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Monday Igbuya.

The sponsor of the bill and member representing Okpe constituency, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori [JP] while opening debate on the bill, said the bill sought to protect the rights and interest of consumers.

Hon Oborevwori explained that the bill gives room for reconciliation and mediation between consumers and producers, adding that a large number of people consume products daily that are hazardous to their health without knowing where and how to seek redress.

He regretted that some producers of goods still use banned substances in the production of goods, stressing that the bill will give consumers the right to speak out against negative practices by producers.

Hon Evance Ivwurie; Tim Owhefere; Samuel Mariere; Tonye Timi and Reuben Izeze while supporting the bill said it will remedy the severe injustices meted out to consumers by producers of goods and services, stressing that the bill will empower consumers to seek redress against adulterated products consumed.

The lawmakers remarked that the essence of the bill was not take over the functions of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria [SON] or NAFDAC, but to ensure that products consumed by Nigerians are not fake and adulterated products.

They argued that section [27] of the bill gives the governor powers to declare a state of emergency on any product found unfit for consumption, saying that offices shall be established in the twenty five local government areas for the purpose.

Equally, Hon Elekeokwuri; Pat Ajudua;Emeka Nwaobi; Azuka Azaka and Dennis Omovie described the bill as timely as it will stem sharp practices by producers of goods and services in the state.

The motion was adopted when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, who referred the bill to the House Committee on Health; Commerce and Industry to submit their reports in six weeks’ time.