Reacting to President Goodluck Jonathan’s veto of the amendments to the 1999 Constitution, the outgoing speaker of the 7th House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal has expressed his revulsion for the outgoing government.
According to Tambuwal, Jonathan’s refusal to approve the constitution amendment transmitted to him by the National Assembly is a “conspiracy”.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the 7th House yesterday, Tambuwal revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party-led government caused unwarranted friction because it wanted to influence the legislature.
In a report published by The Nation, the outgoing speaker noted that President Jonathan distracted the 7th House of Representatives.
In his words: “I must say that the frosty relationship between the Executive and Seventh House was an unnecessary distraction and a source of embarrassment to the nation. It is unwarranted that a ruling party with clear majority boxed itself into that situation.
“If the executive fails to recognise the independence of the legislature and expects that it is its rubber stamp, then frosty relation is bound to follow. I would strongly urge the incoming executive arm and indeed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to avert this unwholesome situation.
“A legislature that seeks to fulfill its duty and obligation to the electorate whom they represent must exercise its independence and this comes at a price.
“A legislature truly playing its checks and balances role would normally experience friction with the other arms of government and other interest groups who have broken the law or desire to break the law in the course of time.
“We had more than a fair share of this friction and torment, but overcame because the naughty walls of partisanship and selfish pecuniary considerations could not withstand the power of unity of purpose.
“Today, we are faced with the potential of incalculable waste of public resources through the conspiracy of the Constitutional amendment impasse. This document is a product of the highest and most intimate consultations with Nigerians; indeed it is the Bill of the Nigerian people.
“All parties involved have a duty to allow or disallow this looming monumental waste of public funds and public opinion. For our part, we owe Nigerians a statement once again and I am confident that with the slimmest opportunity, this House will make that statement,” he added.
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Constitution Amendment Bill 2015, the N4 billion tax payers’ money spent on the project went down the drain.
Hon. Tambuwal handed over yesterday to the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha who took charge of affairs as the Seventh House of Representatives held its valedictory session.
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