Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale says the Bill failed due to Government delays, not opposition to federalism.
Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has called on the Prime Minister to stop misleading the public regarding the recent defeat of the Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) 2024 Bill in Parliament.
In a recent media statement, the Prime Minister claimed the Bill was rejected because the Opposition opposed federalism.
“The Prime Minister should stop spreading misinformation and shifting blame,” Wale said.
He stated that the real reason for the Bill’s defeat was the Government’s lack of seriousness and commitment to the process.
Wale said the Prime Minister had most of 2024 to convene the Constituent Assembly but delayed the process until the last minute, then attempted to pass amendments through a flawed Bill.
“The Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Act 2023 was only commenced on 5th November 2024, even though it was passed the previous year,” Wale noted.
He said the same approach was taken previously, with the Constituent Assembly being convened at the last minute, making a mockery of the Constitution.
Wale added that the Opposition will only support a process that upholds the integrity of the Constitution.
“The Opposition will support a Bill to repeal the Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Act 2023 to correct the current shortcomings, and a separate Bill that enables Parliament to enact appropriate legislation for establishing and operating a Constituent Assembly,” he said.
He urged the Prime Minister to refrain from using political blame tactics and to show genuine leadership on the federal system.
“Blaming the Opposition for the Government’s own failures reflects a lack of responsibility,” Wale said.
Source: Opposition Office
