Reps tackle Jonathan on National Honours

[TheNation]

  President Jonathan   There are indications on Tuesday that the National Assembly will whittle down President Goodluck Jonathan's power on the award of National Honours.

The House of Representatives has expressed displeasure over the process of the yearly national honours award.

The lawmakers are critical of the selection process, number of recipients as well as the integrity of the recipients and the award committee.

The decision of the House followed the second reading of a Bill for an Act to amend the National Honours Act to provide for the establishment of the National Honours Review Committee.

The lawmakers also want the award of National Honours to be subject to the confirmation of the National Assembly.

Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, who sponsored the bill pointed out that it is morally and constitutionally wrong to give National Honour to serving public officers simply for occupying certain public office.

He also regretted that the frequency and the large number of recipients have affected the quality and international standing of the award.

“It is no longer new that our national award system is no longer taken seriously locally or internationally. This is because all manners of people are giving stake on yearly basis, “he said.

Citing an instance where a recipient of the award was dismissed from office barely two weeks after being  awarded, Gbajabiamila questioned the essence of the honours on the nation’s integrity, saying, “What is the essence of the award and what are the indications in our  national life for giving the award?” he asked.  



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