President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withheld his assent to the NDLEA Establishment Bill, while another lawmaker from the Labour Party has switched allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the plenary session today, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read a letter from President Tinubu stating that his decision was in line with Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution.
The President explained that the bill’s provision allowing the NDLEA to retain a portion of proceeds from drug-related crimes contradicts existing legal frameworks.
According to current law, all such proceeds must be deposited into a designated account, from which funds can only be withdrawn through Presidential authorization with the National Assembly’s consent. This, the President noted, ensures accountability and maintains the balance of power between the Executive and Legislature.
In the same session, Labour Party lawmaker Sam Atu from Enugu State announced his defection to the APC.
Atu attributed his move to the ongoing leadership crisis within the Labour Party, which he claimed has hindered effective representation of his constituents. He said the decision followed broad consultations with his community and stakeholders.
Atu expressed confidence in the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, particularly noting the establishment of the South East Development Commission as a positive step toward regional progress.
However, Minority Whip Ali Isa JC called on the Speaker to declare Atu’s seat vacant, arguing that the defection violates Section 68(1g) of the amended 1999 Constitution.
