Why generator ban bill may not survive, by senators

Also, because the bill just passed first reading, which is called introduction on Wednesday last week, some of those who responded to questions by our correspondent, preferred to speak on the condition of anonymity.

However, Senator Sam Egwu, representing Ebonyi North on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that it was not correct to say that the Senate was proposing to ban generators because it only passed first reading.

He argued that unless and until the bill was debated in the Chambers and decisions taken on it, it would not be right for anybody to conclude that the Senate had carried out the action.

In a subtle opposition to the bill, the politician, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, pointed out that, even the National Assembly and the Presidential Villa, depended on generators for their power supply.

“This is a personal bill that was just read once and until it comes up for second reading and debated, it will not be right to conclude that the Senate wants to ban importation/ sale of generators. Even the National Assembly and Aso Rock depend on generators”, he stated.

Another senator, who spoke off record, expressed serious antagonism towards the bill, saying that the sponsor was not sincere in facing the socio-economic realities in the country.

The lawmaker, who is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), wondered why a lawmaker in his right senses would contemplate banning generators in a country that was facing near total collapse in the power sector.

“You know I am a cognate member of this Senate, and I know that most ranking members of the National Assembly can hardly come up with such ridiculous proposal.

“I believe that it is in an attempt to please their constituents and make them believe that they are working hard, that people can come up with anything. But I cannot do that because I know the state of this country at the moment; I know what Nigerians are passing through in respect of power.

“The idea is very good but it will certainly die because it is ill timed; you cannot convince any sane mind to support this bill because this is hypocrisy of the highest order.

“Do you know that the National Assembly, as I speak to you is almost running on generator for 24 hours? Go there any time from 9 pm, you won’t see light because they want to save money from diesel.

“The same thing applies to Villa and other important government institutions that need constant electricity to function. I tell you, if the sponsor fails to withdraw this bill, it will die; that I can assure you”, the lawmaker threatened.

Similarly, another Senator, who did not agree to be mentioned in print, said: “I believe in miracle; if miracle happens and we start having constant power supply, why not, I will support the bill. After, I hate generators because of their noise pollution.

“However, contemplating a ban on importation or sale of generators in Nigeria without reliable electricity supply is a huge joke, and you know because many people are even fed up with the system, they resort to making everything a huge joke in the country. For me, the bill is already dead, unless a miracle happens”, the lawmaker concluded.

The Senate, had on Wednesday last week, commenced a process of prohibiting importation and sale of generating sets in the country, as it introduced a bill to that effect on the floor during plenary session.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Bima, Muhammad Enagi (APC, Niger South), prescribes a jail term not less than 10 years for those who would be found guilty of the offence, if passed and assented to.

It is titled, “a bill for an Act to prohibit/ban the importation/use of generating sets to curb the menace of environmental (air) pollution and to facilitate the development of the power sector”.

Part of the draft bill, which was obtained by our correspondent, states: “any person who imports generating sets; or knowingly sells generating sets shall be guilty of an offence and be liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not less than 10 years.

The proposed law however, exempts generators imported for essential services in hospitals, airports, railway stations among others.