Abiola Is Dead, Can't Be Honoured.. Melaye To Buhari
Dino Melaye, the senator representing Kogi West, has cautioned President Muhammdu Buhari against breaching the constitution in his latest move
of conferring the honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic
(GCFR) on Moshood Abiola, the widely acclaimed winner of the 1993
presidential election.
Citing Chapter 43(2) of the National Honours Act on Thursday, however, Mr Melaye argued that the act does not allow for conferment of the honours on non-Nigerians.
Citing Chapter 43(2) of the National Honours Act on Thursday, however, Mr Melaye argued that the act does not allow for conferment of the honours on non-Nigerians.
He claimed that Mr Abiola is dead and that automatically makes him not to be a Nigerian.
He said, “I am a democrat, I believe very sincerely that Chief M.K.O Abiola deserve even more than the president has pronounced because he is a true patriot, philanthropist and should be so decorated.
“But Mr. President, we are governed in the country by the constitution and extant laws. No matter how beautiful a situation is, the law of the land remains the law of the land.”
The lawmaker mentioned a section of the law which he claims buttresses his point.
“Subsection 2 of the act says a person shall be eligible for appointment to any rank or holder unless he is a citizen of Nigeria. A dead man is not a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We should not be emotional about this. The law remains the law.”
Mr Melaye also argued that the act provides that such honour be conferred on the recipient in person and since Mr Abiola is dead, he cannot receive the award.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, announced that his points of order were noted.
Source
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