In a dramatic twist the federal lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Wednesday caused the immediate withdrawal of a bill seeking to amend the 1999 constitution with a view to removing a provision that makes it difficult for the National Assembly to impeach a governor of a state.
The bill titled: "a bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Repeal the Provision of Section 11 (4) of the Constitution", was co-sponsored by Rep. Edward Pwajok (PDP, Plateau), and Rep. Ali Isa (PDP- Gombe).
In his lead debate explaining the general principles of the rejected bill, Pwajok, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) reminded his colleagues that the National Assembly is vested with powers to make laws for peace, order and good governance of the federation, adding that security and public order are key to the proper functioning of a democratic government.
The makers of the constitution according to Pwajok anticipated that "in the event of a situation of any order or insecurity arising in any state which would prevent the House of Assembly from sitting, there should be no vacuum in the very essential work of law -making so the National Assembly in sub section 4 of section 11 is empowered to invoke this section to take over the legislative functions of the House of Assembly".
He noted that in the 1979 constitution, similar wording as found in section 11 of the 1999 constitution was found but without the proviso that prevents the National Assembly from outrightly acting to impeach an erring state governor.
Speaking to press men after plenary, the lawmaker said he had no regrets bringing up the bill even though he stepped it down eventually.
He explained that there is no ulterior motive behind the bill though, his colleagues misunderstood his intentions.
"My bill is anticipatory and futuristic though many saw the bill as antagonistic and some people saw it as removing the governor now;
In law making you can't anticipate all situations. We are not saying the National Assembly should go and remove the governor but we are. Looking at a situation where there is break down of law and order".
The Plateau lawmaker also applauded his colleagues for a healthy debate and contributions over the bill.
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