The Senate on Wednesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to
review his position in withholding assent on the bill to
establish Peace Corps of Nigeria.
This followed the adoption of a Point of Order raised by Senator
Dino Melaye during plenary.
Relying on the Senate rules, Melaye urged the Senate to revisit
the bill with a view to veto the President if he fails to rescind
his rejection of the bill.
President Buhari had cited duplication of duty and funding
challenges in declining assent to the Nigerian Peace Corps
(Establishment) Bill, 2017 recently passed by the National
Assembly.
However, Melaye said Buhari should give the bill a priority.
“The same thing happened when the Nigeria Security and Civil
Defence Corps was to be established; there was also the same
complaint that there was no money and all of that.
“But today, we can see the advantages of the civil defence and
how they have helped in safeguarding government infrastructure.
“About $5.5bn was borrowed from euro bond; what part of it will
the youths of this country benefit from?
“About $1bn is to be spent on security and how does this affect
the youth of this country.
“Without fear or favour, the Peoples Democratic Party, in 16
years, borrowed N6tn and this government in three years, has
borrowed N11tn but there is no specific programme that will empower
the youth.
“Also, N500bn was earmarked for the social investment programme
of the Federal Government, but we have not seen any impact.
“If the Peace Corps is given an opportunity to exist, thousands
will be employed and this will help to fight unemployment in this
country.
“We may need to write Mr. President to review his position; if
not, we have the power on behalf of the Nigerian youths who voted
us to veto him so that people will become the ultimate
beneficiaries of this bill.
“The youth of this country must be given priority and they must
be respected,’’ Melaye said. (NAN)
The Senate on Wednesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to
review his position in withholding assent on the bill to
establish Peace Corps of Nigeria.
This followed the adoption of a Point of Order raised by Senator
Dino Melaye during plenary.
Relying on the Senate rules, Melaye urged the Senate to revisit
the bill with a view to veto the President if he fails to rescind
his rejection of the bill.
President Buhari had cited duplication of duty and funding
challenges in declining assent to the Nigerian Peace Corps
(Establishment) Bill, 2017 recently passed by the National
Assembly.
However, Melaye said Buhari should give the bill a priority.
“The same thing happened when the Nigeria Security and Civil
Defence Corps was to be established; there was also the same
complaint that there was no money and all of that.
“But today, we can see the advantages of the civil defence and
how they have helped in safeguarding government infrastructure.
“About $5.5bn was borrowed from euro bond; what part of it will
the youths of this country benefit from?
“About $1bn is to be spent on security and how does this affect
the youth of this country.
“Without fear or favour, the Peoples Democratic Party, in 16
years, borrowed N6tn and this government in three years, has
borrowed N11tn but there is no specific programme that will empower
the youth.
“Also, N500bn was earmarked for the social investment programme
of the Federal Government, but we have not seen any impact.
“If the Peace Corps is given an opportunity to exist, thousands
will be employed and this will help to fight unemployment in this
country.
“We may need to write Mr. President to review his position; if
not, we have the power on behalf of the Nigerian youths who voted
us to veto him so that people will become the ultimate
beneficiaries of this bill.
“The youth of this country must be given priority and they must
be respected,’’ Melaye said. (NAN)
Read more https://www.nairalaw.com/senate-urges-buhari-to-sign-peace-corps-bill-or-risk-being-vetoed/