Reps to override Jonathan’s veto on 36 bills

[Mirror]

A motion to override President Goodluck Jonathan's veto on 36 bills was adopted and referred to the House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Business, yesterday. The motion was sponsored by Hon. Yakubu Dogara (PDP-Bauchi).

The piece of legislation is entitled: "Urgent Need for both Houses of the National Assembly to Activate their Constitutional Powers under Section 58 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution in Relation to Bills Over which the President has failed to Exercise his Constitutional Responsibilities and Powers under Section 58 (l) (4) of the Constitution."

While presenting his motion, Dogara noted; "That the fact that the constitution is supreme and its provisions have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

He noted further that; "Section 58 (1) (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) requires that all bills passed by the two Houses of the National Assembly be transmitted to the President for assent."

He, however, regretted that over 30 bills sent to the President since the sixth Assembly were yet to be assented to. He said he was aware "pursuant to the said S.58 (1) (4) of the constitution, a total of 36 bills have been transmitted to the President for assent which are still pending or left to stagnate in his office without exercising his constitutional powers."