Get Guardian on GoogleTHE House of Representatives has stepped down a bill seeking to establish the Nigeria Mines Ranger Service (NMRS) following concerns that its provisions could confer the agency with investigative powers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The concerns emerged during the consideration of the Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Mines Ranger Service to Prevent and Combat Illegal Mining, Artisanal Mining and Other Crimes and Related Matters (SB.253).
Sponsored by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, the bill generated extensive debate among lawmakers, particularly over Clause 23, which deals with the power of the proposed service to obtain information.
It provided that the commander-general or any authorised officer of the service shall have access to records held by any person or authority affected by the proposed legislation for the purpose of discharging duties under the Act.
Raising the observation, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu warned that the National Assembly must avoid creating institutions that would encroach on the constitutional responsibilities of the NPF.
Kalu argued that the provision appeared to confer investigative authority on the proposed agency, including access to private records and information, insisting that such powers ordinarily reside with the NPF and could create overlapping responsibilities between the two institutions.
Following the disagreement, the House resolved to step down the bill for further legislative engagements and possible adjustments to the contentious provisions.
