President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined assent to the amendment bill seeking to alter the establishment of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), citing concerns over provisions that conflict with Nigeria’s existing legal framework on proceeds of crime.
In a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Thursday’s plenary session at the House of Representatives, Tinubu explained that the proposed bill attempted to grant the NDLEA powers to retain a percentage of proceeds derived from drug-related crimes to fund its operations.
The President noted that such provisions contradict existing laws which require that all proceeds of crime be paid into a designated government account, from which withdrawals can only be made with the President’s approval and subject to National Assembly oversight.
“This position preserves the principles of accountability and the constitutional relationship between the Executive and the Legislature,” Tinubu stated in his correspondence to the lawmakers.
Meanwhile, political developments also took centre stage at Thursday’s plenary as a member of the House representing Enugu State, Sam Atu, announced his defection from the Labour Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atu, in a letter to the House read by the Speaker, attributed his defection to what he described as the persistent leadership crisis within the Labour Party at both state and national levels. He said the internal turmoil had undermined the party’s ability to provide effective representation to constituents.
The lawmaker said he was joining the APC to align with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, particularly highlighting the establishment of the South East Development Commission as a sign of the President’s commitment to developing the region.
However, Minority Whip of the House, Ali Isa JC, objected to the defection, calling on the Speaker to declare Atu’s seat vacant. He argued that the lawmaker’s action violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits floor-crossing without justifiable cause.
The Speaker is yet to rule on the matter as deliberations continue.
