President Muhammadu Buhari has declined assent to a bill that seeks to amend the law establishing National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

National Assembly had earlier passed the amendment bill that guides NBC, which regulates Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.

Mr Buhari stated this rejection in a letter addressed to Senate President, Mr Bukola Saraki.

The letter was read by Saraki on Tuesday at the Senate plenary.

In it, the president explained that his decision to withhold assent to the bill was because the amendment to the powers of the commission “deletes” existing paragraphs 21(U) which contains an important omnibus clause that grants the commission incidental powers which are not specifically provided for in other sections of the Act.

“Pursuant to Section 58(4) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I hereby convey to the Senate, my decision on 26th November 2018, to decline presidential assent to National Broadcasting Commission Amendment Bill 2018.

“I am declining assent to the bill because the amendment to the powers of the commission “deletes” existing paragraphs 21(U) which contains an important omnibus clause that grants the commission incidental powers which are not specifically provided for in other sections of the Act.

“We suggest that a more appropriate approach for the amendment for the creation of a new paragraph (U) as contained in the bill and the renumbering in the current paragraph (U), as a new paragraph (Y).

“Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurance of my highest consideration,” the president wrote.

PT