By Danlami Nmodu
More than 2000 bills passed by Nigeria’s National Assembly have not yet been assented to by President Goodluck Jonathan.This was disclosed by a member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Ifeanyi Mbadiwe at a networking dinner for lawmakers and civil society organizations in Abuja on Wednesday.In light of this ,the lawmaker urged civil society organizations to exert more pressure in order to ensure remarkable progress .
A presidential aide who was at the event however disputed this claim.He said no one should go away with the impression that 2000 bills have not been assented to by President Jonathan.As at today ,only one bill passed by the national assembly was awaiting the president’s approval,he said .
The contrary assertion by Jonathan’s assistant on national assembly matters however did not convince some of the lawmakers and national assembly staff present at the event.
But a civil society activist who spoke on the matter expressed surprise that such a huge number of bills remained without assent , yet the information is not in the public domain.
The occasion is a prelude to a seminar on the Role of CSOs in National Policy/Legislative Actions scheduled to hold Thursday at Sheraton Hotel.
President of the Senate ,David Mark who was represented by one of his aides Al Mustapha Usidi outlined the need for stronger collaboration between CSOs and the lawmakers. In his presentation also Mr Olukayode Soremekun reviewed the strategic nature of legislators-CSO relationships.
Director of Centre LSD in Abuja ,Dr Otive Igbuzor in his intervention spelt out three key ways of strengthening the strategic relationship between lawmakers and CSOS.First , he said there is the need for a platform for regular interaction. Second, there is the need for a concrete programme centred around the key roles of lawmakers. Third, he said is the need for a system of constant monitoring and evaluation of the partnership.
Dignitaries at the event include CSO activists like Faith Nwadishi, Attah B .Mohammed,Ibeh Vivien Ifeyinwa,and Olanrewaju Suraju among others.Raheema Momoh ,ECOWAS representative at the AU in Addis Ababa was also present.So also were some lawmakers, their aides like Ms Nehi Okunmwendia(SA secretary ,NGOs to the Senate President as well as Benjamin Ogbalor and Dr Jake Dan Azumi of National Institute of Lagislative Studies(organizers of the event).Dr Jake delivered the welcome address of NILS Director General Dr Ladi Hamalai.
The workshop is supported by UNDP,UKaid and Foreign Affairs,Trade and Development, Canada among others.
Editor’s Note:The lawmaker later called Newsdiaryonline to say he meant that over 2000 bills remained unsigned by the office of the president,not necessarily Jonathan’s presidency alone.He insisted the unsigned bills were over 2000.
