By Joshua Egbodo
Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, yesterday admitted that the leadership crisis that rocked the current National Assembly soon after its inauguration on June 9, was a serious distraction to the parliament.
The Speaker who said this while inaugurating a 12-man committee to help in the nation’s law reform process, explained that the House was committed to expeditiously pass all major bills before it so as to impact positively on the lives Nigerians, a move the leadership crisis has slowed down.
He said what necessitated the setting up of the committee was the need to review the various laws in the statutes books of the nation, which he said had become obsolete, anachronistic and outdated, adding that by the provision of Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution, all existing laws, including military era legislations were deemed to be Acts of the National Assembly.
He said: “The 8th Assembly has had a few distractions, but it is time to get on to the job for which we were elected. Apart from reviewing existing laws, law reform involves introduction of new laws where necessary. Laws that aid the anti corruption struggle, infrastructure renewal, efficient and optimal utilization of our petroleum resources, solid minerals, education and social services, agriculture, diversification of our economy and massive employment of our teeming youthful population should engage our undivided attention as a parliament.
“The good news, however, is that the 8th House of Representatives is resolutely committed to expeditious passing all major bills before it or submitted to it that will impact positively on the lives and well-being of Nigerians. This is the irrevocable undertaking enshrined in our legislative agenda.”
Members of the committee include; Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Hon. Razak Atunwa; Hon. Ken Chikere; Hon. Madubueze Peter Obiano; Hon. Olabode Ayorinde; Hon. Simon Arabo; NBA President, Austin Alegeh; NBA Secretary, Mr. Afam Osigwe; Prof C. O. Okonkwo; Olisa Agbakoba; Prof Auwalu Yadudu; Prof Oyelowo Oyewo; Prof Joash Amupitan; Dr. Ladi Hamalai and Prof Okechukwu Okoli.
Other members ate; Barr Kefas Magaji; Mrs. Oguneye; Mr. M. A. Sani Omolori; Hon. C. I. D. Maduabum; Dr. S. A. Danwanka and Prof Ade Adekunle.
