The two Chambers of the National
Assembly have welcomed the idea of a National Conference as being proposed by
the President.
Both Chambers expressed their
feelings on a recent interview.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee
on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, said, “The
Senate supports the President in his choice of the members of the committee.”
The House of Representatives
also welcomed the committee and its membership, saying that Nigerians were
entitled to freedom of expression.
However, it clarified that whenever a
constitutional matter cropped up in the course of discussions at the
conference, it should be referred to the National Assembly.
The Deputy Leader of the House, Mr.
Leo Ogor, who spoke in Abuja, explained
that the National Assembly remained the legally constituted body to resolve any
constitutional issues in the country.
Ogor added, “We are the true
representatives of the people. That is why constitutional matters must be left
to the National Assembly to handle.
“But, the constitution (1999)
guarantees freedom of expression and association. On that score, the conference
is a welcome development; to give people the opportunity to talk and share
ideas.”
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Politics