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Says it’s vague, open to abuse, arbitrariness
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has joined the growing number of voices raised against some provisions in the Company and Allied Matters Acts (CAMA) 2020 assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari recently
In expressing its reservations, PFN specifically faulted Section 839(1) (a), (b), (C) in the Act, insisting that these provisions run contrary to Section 6(6) and Section 36 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended.
A statement by PFN’s National President, Dr Felix Omobude, said: “We believe that these provisions, among others, leave the door open to abuse, denial of fair hearing, arbitrariness and dubious use of power by the Commission and/or its agents.”
The statement said of serious concerns is the recourse to “the vague and nebulous phrase, public interest” as grounds for taking over a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) by the Commission and/or its agents, contrary to Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
According to Omobude; “Not only are there contradictions in the law, we believe that some of its provisions are indeed already covered by other legislations.”
The PFN, who endorsed the stand taken by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), respected religious leaders, individuals and groups, on the CAMA 2020, urged President Buhari and the National Assembly (NASS) to immediately repeal the “offensive parts in the legislation”.
The statement further said thus: “The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) stands with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and reaffirms her position on this matter.
Vowing to explore all legal processes to enforce its fundamental human rights, the PFN said; “We are reviewing all options on the table and we will be taking actions in pursuit of a remedy accordingly.”
“We intend to assert our constitutional rights, following the prescribed procedure for redress, to ensure that the not-for-profit sector which has been standing in the gap for the disadvantaged and underprivileged Nigerians, in the face of neglect by government at all levels, is able to continues to do so without hindrance”, the PFN boss assured.
