Don’t allow Governor Tambuwal mislead you on Infectious disease bill - Reps tell Governors

The house of representatives has asked the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) not to allow Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State “mislead” them on the infectious disease bill.

Recall yesterday that Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) asked the national assembly to suspend the infectious disease bill and to give room for consultations with state governments and other stakeholders. The Governors also disclosed that they were briefed about the bill by the Vice Chairman of the forum, Aminu Tambuwal during a virtual meeting.

However reacting to the statement from the forum, the house of representatives claimed that Tambuwal’s position on the infectious disease bill is influenced by his “personal and partisan opposition” to the emergence of the current house leadership under Femi Gbajabiamila.

In the statement released by the house of representatives’ spokesperson Benjamin Kalu on Thursday May 14, the Governors were told that their opinion will be welcomed by lawmakers. They were however reminded that the role of the national assembly in constitution amendment, is not subject of concurrence of state houses of assembly or state governors.

The statement reads;

“It is rather surprising that the NGF, in arriving at its decision, relied on “an update from the Governor of Sokoto State,” who, apart from being a lawyer, is a former Speaker and an ex-ranking member of the House, who should know better and guide the Forum accordingly.

“We assume that his position was informed by his well-known personal and partisan opposition to the emergence of the current leadership of the house considering his obvious stance in 2015 and 2019 .

“Unlike in a constitution amendment matter, where state houses of assembly have a defined constitutional role to play in effecting any review to it, Bills such as the Control of Infectious Diseases are not by our constitution subject of concurrence of state houses of assembly or state governors. We do believe that our respected Governors are aware of this lawful processes of legislation and should not be misguided by a biased position of a former speaker .

“Notwithstanding, the House expresses its readiness to work with the Committee raised by the NGF to meet members of the Green Chamber on the Bill. The Governors are our critical stakeholders in nation building, and we understand the importance of working with our Governors at critical moments such as this pandemic period.”