Only N/Assembly can actualize restructuring — Dogara

Says no going back on NGO bill

Only the National Assembly can actualize the ongoing agitations to restructure the country, Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara has said.

The speaker, while delivering a speech to welcome lawmakers back from annual recess yesterday in Abuja, said the National Assembly would revisit the constitution amendment in order to accommodate the issue of restructuring.

Daily Trust recalls that the House had rejected the issue of restructuring (devolution of powers) during the voting on constitution review late July.

Dogara said the National Assembly would not be intimidated in carrying out its constitutional role for a better Nigeria, saying the legislature must act in accordance with the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

“Do we have a legislative response to the issues that have been thrown up? Is the National Assembly involved in the debate? Can restructuring take place outside the existing legal order? Indeed all the arguments about restructuring are at the end of the day, legislative issues.”

“It may be necessary in due course for the National Assembly to have a second look at the issues that have been thrown up. The National Assembly as a representative and product of the people cannot act contrary to the wishes and aspirations of its constituents.”

“It is my view that we need to revisit some aspects of the voting on Constitution alteration. Luckily we still have the legislative window of conferencing with the Senate, where we have differences.”

Speaking on the bill to regulate activities of NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs), Dogara said those kicking against the bill may have ulterior motives, because they are the very people who should know better.

He said while constructive criticisms on the bill were welcomed, it was not proper to disparage the institution of the National Assembly on the matter.

“Everyone should understand that the principal objective of the NGO Regulation Bill is to inject transparency, accountability and prevent the subversion of national security from both within and without.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let me state once again that churches, mosques, Esusu, Market Women Associations as well as local quasi financial institutions are not NGOs and thus the bill has nothing to do with their operations.”