Buhari not behind rejection of Southeast Development Commission bill – Presidency

A Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Reps), Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, has stated President Muhammadu Buhari was not behind the rejection of a bill seeking to establish the South East Development Commission.

Sumaila said the comments made by the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Chukwuka Onyema, that even the President committed some impeachable offences but that they did not look into such matters for peace to reign were uncalled for.

“I was shocked to hear this from such a lawmaker, who ought to know that the executive arm of government is different from the legislative arm in practice and principle.
“It is also on record that since the inception of this administration, Mr. President has vowed not to interfere in the internal operations of the National Assembly.
 “To put the record straight, Mr. President, who is the head of the executive, also forwards bills to the National Assembly for approval before they become law. However, the bill in question was sponsored by the 43 members of the House from the South East.
“As a three-term member of the House and a two-term Deputy Minority Leader, I want to use this medium to appeal to members of the House to support Mr President in his efforts at making Nigeria great again, as one united entity where all of us will be proud of.
“It is noteworthy that Mr. President is committed to even development of all parts of the country, and he shall not do anything to favour any geopolitical zone to the detriment of others,” he said.