The presidency has dismissed the claim that President Muhammadu Buhari is behind the recent rejection of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill by the House of Representatives.
Hon. Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, the Senior Special Assistant to the president on National Assembly Matters,
The presidential aide also faulted comments credited to the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Chukwuka Onyema, that Buhari committed some impeachable offences but was left off the hook for peace to reign.
”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,” he said.
Full support
Sumaila also called on the members of the House to give President Buhari their total support.
”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 added.