Considering the large number of Internally Displaced Persons in the country, the House of Representatives has expressed concern over allegations that donor funds meant for the displaced persons are being diverted.

The resolution of the House was sequel to a motion on matters of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Ali Isa during plenary on Thursday.

“Both the Federal Government, local donor groups as well as wealthy individuals have committed funds for the same purposes; worried that despite all the donations, a large number of these IDPs are living in hunger, very deplorable and unhygienic conditions without any rehabilitation in sight.

“There are series of allegations of diversion of the donated funds meant for the well-being and welfare of IDPs.”

He noted that some civil society groups and non-governmental organizations claiming to be working for the interest of the IDPs are doing the contrary.

Another representative, Johnson Agbonayima, described the situation of IDPs as “disheartening and a disgrace to the nation,” adding that corruption must be stopped in the country so that the north east can be rebuilt.

The House mandated its Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness; Aids, Loans and Debt Management; IDPs and North East Development to jointly investigate the matter.

Scores of camps in different parts of the country accommodate the growing number of internally displaced persons, a large part of whom are from the north eastern part of the country.

The condition of the camps has attracted a lot of financial support from within and outside the country.

In another development, the House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Telecommunications to investigate the proposed auctioning of the 2.6 Gigahertz Spectrum by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

This resolution followed a point of order raised on Thursday by a member of the lower chamber from Bayelsa State, Rep. Diri Douye.

Rep. Douye explained that the motion was raised in a bid to avert large job losses that might occur in the telecommunications sector as a result of the proposed auction.

He further expressed his concern that the NCC might not have considered the long term effects of such job losses on the Nigerian economy.

The lawmakers have directed the committee to investigate the matter and report back to the House.

•Pieced together from Channels TV reports. Photo shows House of Reps in session.

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