There is no gainsaying that the present administration needs to do more in its quest to bring about the required transformation in the nation’s economy through ingenuity. As usual of me as a long standing Legislative Correspondent spanning over 10 years in the National Assembly, I observed through the Votes and Proceedings of the House on Thursday, 20th December, 2018, that President Muhammadu Buhari declined assents to some of the critical economic bills that could have brought about revolutionary changes to the ways we do business in the country.
These bills are not political in nature, but couldn’t have had any under-current to derail the policies and programmes of the current administration! President Buhari’s expressions were contained in the letters sent to Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Senate President Bukola Saraki,. According to one of the letters, Mr. President withheld assent to the National Transport Commission Bill, “due to the fact that some technical Sections of the Bill fall into the scope of work of NIMASA, hence should be expunged.”
In the same vein, Mr. President declined assent to the Federal Roads Authority (FRA) Establishment Bill “due to the fact that if the Establishment Bill is assented to in its entirety, it will render the supervisory Ministry (Federal Ministry of Transportation) redundant in its activities of managing Nigerian roads.” Of course, the question that came to mind after reading through this particular issue was, “of what importance is the supervisory ministry which has not added value to the sector over the years?” I also wish to also acknowledge the commitment of the efforts made by the House and Senate in passing the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2018 through relevant legislative processes.
According to a member of the National Assembly management, it was the most comprehensive bill passed so far by this Assembly.
For the controversial Electoral Act amendment bill, 2018, I’m pretty sure that many well-meaning Nigerians are also shocked at the turn of events! I feel very strongly that this is the era we need to do things differently and maturely, too. Enough of this show of power that has ruined the country.
KEHINDE AKINTOLA, Abuja
