House Of Representatives Distances Itself From Proposed-Bill On Regional Government

House Of Representatives Distances Itself From Proposed-Bill On Regional Government

The House of Representatives has moved to clarify its position regarding a trending bill circulating on social media, which seeks to restore the regional system of government in Nigeria.

According to reports from ireporteronline, the bill titled, “A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with a new governance model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” has caused a stir online. It is alleged to have been drafted by an individual named Dr. Akin Fapohunda as a private bill, as opposed to being initiated by a lawmaker.

However, the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, has refuted claims of the bill’s existence within the legislative body. He clarified that the bill is not before the lawmakers and is not under consideration in the House.

Rotimi stated, “The Committees on Rules and Business and Constitution Review have confirmed that there is no such bill before them.”

Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, corroborated Rotimi’s statement, asserting that the bill has not been presented before the committee for consideration.

Waive explained, “There are two routes to making presentations for constitutional amendments. One is by members proposing an amendment bill during the plenary. The second is by memoranda from individuals and groups to the Constitution Review Committee.

“Please note that memoranda submitted should eventually come by way of bills sponsored by a member of the committee.

“On this specific memo (draft bill) under reference, I doubt if it has come before the Rules and Business Committee for listing. I speak as chairman of the committee.”

The House of Representatives’ denial of the proposed bill indicates that it has not been officially presented or considered within the legislative process.