Strengthening Governance Institutions
#ReviewConstitution series on the constitutional amendment continued. Click here to see the status as at 10th October, 2017
Financial Autonomy of State Legislatures
This amendment seeks to provide financial independence for the state legislatures by granting them first line charge on the consolidated revenue fund of the state. Funds due to them in the consolidated revenue fund will be paid directly to them. As of today, the State Houses of Assemblies (SHoAs) depend on the magnanimity of the executive to access basic funds necessary for carrying out their legislative duties in addition to their emoluments. This can influence the SHoA's ability to hold the executive to account through their oversight and representative functions.
Immunity for Legislators for Acts in the Course of Duty
This amendment seeks to strengthen the provisions of the Legislative powers and privileges Act. It protects the legislators from prosecution for words spoken on the floor of the house or during their normal legislative duties. This, however, does not insulate them from prosecution on issues bordering on economic, financial or criminal activities. It also does not include comments made in their civil or personal business engagements.
Presidential Assent on Bills
This amendment seeks to provide a definitive time frame within which the President or Governors can assent to bills passed by the National Assembly (NASS) or State Houses of Assemblies (SHoA). Huge resources (including time of the legislature) are invested during the passage of a bill in order to ensure the collection of data and desired consensus between the members. Various readings, public hearings, consultations and in some cases travels to other jurisdictions are expected practices. At the moment, the President or Governors can choose not to assent a bill sent to them without relaying feedback on the decision. The amendment ensures that resources expended around bills lead to assents or no assents as opposed to an undefined period of wait.
Members of the Council of States
This amendment was proposed to make former Presidents of the Senate and former Speakers of the House of Representatives members of the influential National Council of State. The Council of States currently consists of the President (chairman of the council), the Vice-President (deputy chairman), all Former Presidents and Heads of State, all Former Chief Justices of Nigeria, the President of the Senate (incumbent), the Speaker of the House of Representatives (incumbent), all State Governors (incumbents), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (incumbent).
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Tomorrow's Focus: Bills Targeting the Strengthening of the Electoral System
- Bill on Reduction of Age for Election. Popularly referred to as the #NotTooYoungToRun bill
- Bill on Conduct of Bye-Elections and Power to De-Register Political Parties
- Bill on Determination of Pre-Election matters
- Bill on Independent Candidacy
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