- A new bill might soon be passed by Nigerian lawmakers compelling presidents to address the country on the state of the nation
- If passed, Nigerian lawmakers can also compel the president to speak if he fails to honour the law
- According to the sponsor of the bill, it was borne out of the refusal by Buhari to appear before the National Assembly last year
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FCT, Abuja – In a move that will gladden the heart of many, the House of Representatives is making a huge proposition that will change how presidents communicate with Nigerians.
The bill, which has been sponsored by a lawmaker, is proposing making it compulsory for every sitting president to address Nigerians on the state of the nation, Punch Newspaper reports.
Source: Twitter
With the bill, President Muhammadu Buhari or any sitting president will be required to address a joint session of the National Assembly periodically.
If they refuse to do this, the National Assembly will be empowered to summon him.
The bill is sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ethiope-East/Ethiope-West Federal Constituency in Delta state, Ben Igbakpa.
The legislation is titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to Make Provision for the State of the Nation Address By President and for Other Matters, 2020.’
The bill read:
“Be it enacted by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as follows:
“The president shall address the joint session aforesaid on such issues including but not limited to national security, the economy, budget performance, foreign policy and social justice.
Buhari has no hand in name change
In another report, the personal assistant to the president on new media, Bashir Ahmad, stated that neither the Nigerian government nor Buhari submitted the change of name proposal to the House of Representatives.
Ahmad in a tweet on Thursday, June 3, stated that the request was submitted to the lower legislative chamber by an individual or a group.
Legit.ng gathered that the presidential aide made the remark in reaction to reports that Buhari made the request. According to him, a number of people had already taken it to their head, accusing the president of something he absolutely has no hand in.
House of Reps asked to change Nigeria’s name
Meanwhile, Adeleye Jokotoye, a tax consultant in Lagos sent a proposal to the House of Representatives to consider changing Nigeria’s name to the United African Republic.
Jokotoye submitted the proposal to the House’s committee on constitution review on Wednesday, June 2.
He argued that changing the name Nigeria which was coined by Flora Shaw, the wife of Lord Lugard, will make for national unity and peace.
Jokotoye went on to state that even the Bible shows that God is very much in support of name change.
Source: Legit
