Reps to establish framework for smooth transfer of power

The House of Representatives has commenced the process of establishing of a legal framework for “Smooth and Orderly transfer of Power’’ from one government to another.

The Speaker of the House, Mr Yakubu Dogara, made this known in Abuja on Tuesday at a public hearing on Justice organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Justice.

Dogara, who was represented by Leader of the House, Mr Femi Gbajiabiamila, said that a Bill had been raised on the framework.

He said that the purpose of the bill was to promote the orderly transfer of power within the executive.

He explained that the transfer was in connection with the expiration of the term of office of a president and the inauguration of his successor.

Dogara said, “the bill provides that at any general election for the office of the President, the incumbent president, if not re-elected, shall within two weeks of the declaration of the president-elect, provide space for not more than 10 persons.

“The 10 persons will be those designated by the president-elect to begin a review and analysis of the budgetary expenditures during the tenure of the current president.’’

He said that the committee shall also review all necessary documents as may be requested by the president-elect’s transition team, to acquire a working knowledge of the various offices.

The offices, he said, included departments, commissions, boards and other agencies of the executive arm of the government.

“Any disruption occasioned by the transfer of the executive power could produce results detrimental to the safety and well-being of Nigeria,’’ Dogara said.

The speaker said that in the US “the Presidential Transition Act (PTA) of 1963, as amended, established formal mechanisms to facilitate presidential transitions.’’

He said that the PTA authorized the Administrator of General Services to provide facilities and services to eligible presidential candidates and the president- elect.

Dogara however, noted that the committee may improve the Bill by being guided by best practices in other presidential democracies worldwide.

The bill which is under consideration also provides for the appointment of an Administrator-General who shall oversee the transition process after each general election.

The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Blessing Nsigbe, noted the need for the legislation, and said that the essence of the bill was to ensure continuity and smooth handover from one government to another.

“The bill seeks to the orderly transfer of power from one government to another.

“It will give the new government enough information and speed to continue with the process of governance,’’ she said.