By Ismail Auwal
The House of Representatives has proposed a new bill to compel a newly elected president or governor to constitute his cabinet within 30 days after inauguration or risks impeachment by the National Assembly or State House of Assembly.
The Transition and Assumption of Office Bill, 2020, sponsored by Mr. Kpam Sokpo, was introduced at the House on Wednesday.
The bill also seeks to establish a special fund for the presidential transition committee and compel state governors to form their cabinets within stipulated 30 days post inauguration.
A section of the bill reads, “Subject to Sections 147 and 302 of the constitution, the President shall on assumption of office, appoint ministers within 30 days from the date he took the oath of office.”
“The President shall constitute and appoint all boards of government agencies and parastatals that are due for constitution and appointment within two months from the date of his assumption of office.”
“Where the President fails to comply with the provisions of this section without any justifiable reason, he shall be guilty of misconduct as provided under Section 143(2) (b) of the constitution.”
Pundits see this as a step to stem the tide of delayed formation of cabinets by the executive arm.
