“The constitution provides that where the president refuses to assent to a bill he shall within 14 days after the refusal:
“a) State in a memorandum to the speaker any provisions of the bill which in his opinion should be reconsidered by parliament including his recommendation for amendment if any; or
“b) Inform the speaker that he has referred the bill to the council of state for consideration or comment under article 90 of this constitution.”
He stated that should Parliament refuse to act to put the President in check, this might set a very dangerous precedent which could cause the nation dearly in the future.
“Mr. Speaker I am raising this issue because this house should never ever serve a precedent where the president refuses to assent to a bill and can walk away as if he has the mandate and authority to do so.
“If he has, he owes this house the fidelity to the provisions of article 106 the constitution. Other than that some important bills tomorrow may pass and the president will walk this wrong path. It’s wrong constitutionally, he has no reason, if he has reason he must write to you formally,” he said.
Discussion about this post