Spokesman insists move unconstitutional, Lawan preaches national interest

The Senate, yesterday, witnessed a sharp division during the consideration of a Bill for an Act to provide for the National Livestock Bureau.
The spokesman, Ajibola Bashiru, a lawyer, in his contribution, reminded the upper legislative chamber that no portion of the exclusive and concurrent components of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) gave the National Assembly powers to legislate on livestock.

He clarified that only the State Houses of Assembly were lawfully empowered to handle the issue, adding that further deliberation on the piece of legislation was unconstitutional.
While no other southern senators spoke, four of their northern colleagues, including the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, backed the bill.

Opposing Bashiru, Senator Bala Ibn N’Allah (Kebbi State) contended that the National Assembly could legislate on the matter, citing no constitutional provision to advance his argument.