Constitution: House Adopts Third Amendment, Promise Quick Passage Of FOI Bill, 2011 Budget

ABUJA, Feb 17, (THEWILL) - The House of Representatives today by a unanimous voice vote adopted the resolution of the 36 State Houses of Assembly on the 1999 Constitution [Third Amendment bill).

The amendment passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly last December had sought to alter the Constitution by listing the National Industrial Court as one of the superior courts of record.

32 out of the 36 State Houses of Assembly had voted in support the bill in compliance with constitutional requirements.

Meanwhile, the House today reiterated its commitment to the quick passage of the Freedom of Information Bill (FOIB) before the expiration of the current Assembly.

It has also expressed its resolve to accord the 2011 Appropriation bill accelerated passage to into law.

Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh who disclosed this while briefing the press said the proposed law was of paramount importance to the legislature than the media as being perceived, stating that it would aid its oversight functions.

He explained that access to information was a very strong tool for oversight, which according to him would close loopholes that encourage revenue leakages as well as stop corrupt practices which the legislature was bent on preventing.

“The House would do what is needful on the Bill which is to move the nation forward,” he said.

On the 2011 budget, while disclosing the House’s resolve to pass it latest by the first week of March, Eseme noted that the focus of all the Standing committees had been on how to increase internally generated revenues by MDAs with a view to reducing the N1.3 trillion deficits in the budget, and increase capital allocation through the move.

The House also adopted the conference report on a bill for an act to amend the Institute for Democratic and Legislative Studies Act 2010 at the plenary.