The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is evaluating a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution, aiming to limit the president’s power to appoint no more than 37 ministers....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Streamline the Number of Ministers to be Appointed to the Federal Executive Council,” is currently under consideration by the committee, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Sponsored by the representatives of Darazo/Ganjuwa and Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituencies from Bauchi and Borno states, the proposed amendment seeks to revise Section 147 (1) of the Constitution to state, “There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation, not exceeding 37, as may be established by the President.”
Under President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council currently includes 45 ministers, comprising both full ministers and Ministers of State.
In addition to selecting a minister from each of the 36 states that make up the federation, the Nigerian president has long left flexibility in the makeup of his cabinet.
Mansur Soro, a congressman from Bauchi, emphasized the void that the new legislation aimed to fill in an interview with Sunday Punch.
He said, “The bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to specify the maximum number of ministers to be appointed to the Federal Executive Council to address duplication of duties, minimise the cost of governance, and enhance efficiency to service at the federal level. ...CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
WHY IS OUR LEADERS LEARNING FROM OUR AFRICAN NEBOURING COUNTRIES?