Wale says Constitution (Amendment) (Constituency Assembly) Bill was defeated in parl due to lack of seriousness from gov’t

Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew explained the reason why the Constitution (Amendment) (Constituency Assembly) 2024 Bill was defeated in Parliament.

Wale claimed in a statement that the real reason for the Bill’s defeat was entirely due to the Government’s lack of seriousness on the matter. 

Wale said the Prime Minister had most of 2024 to convene the Constituent Assembly, instead, delaying it to the very last minute before attempting to seek amendments using a defective Bill. 

His comments came after the Prime Minister told the media that the Bill was defeated because the Opposition Group opposed federalism.

“The Prime Minister also only commenced Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Act 2023 on 5th November 2024, despite the Act being passed the previous year,” he said. 

He said the same trickery was used by the Prime Minister then, when convening the Constituent Assembly at the very last minute. 

He added the whole process made a blatant mockery of the Constitution, and that the Opposition will only support a new process that does not trifle with the Constitution. 

“The Opposition will only support a Bill to repeal the Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Act 2023 to correct the Government’s mess, and a separate Bill that empowers Parliament to enact proper legislation that facilitates the establishment and operation of a Constituent Assembly. 

“The Opposition will not support the same process which trifles with the Constitution,” the Opposition leader said. 

He called on the Prime Minister to stop with the Government’s usual deceitful tactic and take responsibility in demonstrating sincerity and seriousness regarding the federal system.

“Blaming the Opposition for the Government’s own failures reflects irresponsible leadership,” he said.

ENDS//

[Opposition statement]