NASS begins recommitment of EFCC, Peace Corps, and other bills

The National Assembly (NASS) has began recommitment of bills passed by the 9th Assembly but not signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari before the 9th Assembly expired.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), records from the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Sani Tambawal, made public in Abuja on Friday, four legislation fell into this category.

According to NAN, the legislation include the Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill, which was previously transmitted to Buhari in April 2023 but was not signed before he left office on May 29, and the Armed Forces Act, Amendment Bill 2023.

Other bills include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Bill 2023 and the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materials Bill 2023.

The Independent Corrupt Practises and Other Related Offences Bill 2023, as well as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Bill 2023, have been recommitted.

Meanwhile, the Peace Corps measure was backed by a majority of members in the Ninth National Assembly and has been resubmitted to President Bola Tinubu for his signature via a letter dated June 8 and signed by Tambawal.

Since it was passed by the 9th Assembly, the bill became statute-barred for presidential assent on June 13, when the 10th National Assembly was inaugurated.

The MPs are working hard to reconsider, pass, and transfer the measures to President Tinubu for his signature.

On July 27, the legislation, some of which were supported by Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu, were read for the first time.

also look at Tinubu suspends EFCC Chairman, Bawa NAN adds that the legislation, which are not likely to be heard “de novo,” are expected to be passed quickly by both houses of the NASS.

NAN further adds that, in order to expedite the recommittal, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, the Majority Leader of the House, moved a resolution to that effect on July 27.(NAN)