The House of Representatives says the Stephen Oronsaye Committee report on restructuring and rationalisation of federal government parastatals, commissions and agencies cannot override its verdict.
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The report, which is popularly known as the ‘Oronsaye Report, was first issued in 2012 and sought to reduce the number of departments and agencies of government.
Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka, the chairman of the ad hoc committee on the restructuring of government agencies, parastatals and commissions, said this at the public hearing in Abuja on Wednesday.
He allayed fear being expressed by some of the agencies, adding that there was nothing to fear in the restructuring as proposed by the Oransanya white paper.
He said that the committee would not act without going through due process, saying, “We are not going to scrap your head behind you.”
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According to him, whatever the white paper, the only institution that can tamper with the scraping of any agency, parastatal or commission, is the National Assembly, which is by an act of parliament
He said that there would be recommendations but, added that it must come through parliament.
He, however, assured some of the agencies, commissions and parastatals that the Lakers would treat every document justly
According to him, in any area we have to establish, we will and where we need to enact a law we will do that.
The committee assured the agencies of a fair hearing, stating that “we will invite all organisations where you will have the opportunity to speak.”
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” We assured you that many of the fears you are entertaining regarding the laying off of staff, we will not allow that and look into your document.”
It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to implement the long-held Oronsaye Committee report in what he describes as his government’s move to cut the cost of governance.
The Federal Executive Council approved the full implementation of the Oronsaye Report on Feb 26.
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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, went on to inaugurate an eight-member committee on March 7.
The committee was saddled with the responsibility of implementing the recommendations in the report within 12 weeks.
Meanwhile, Dr. Okhai, Ajingi, National President, of the Directors Guild of Nigeria and Chairman Federation of Registered Nollywood Guilds and Associations called for the preservation of Nigeria Film and Video Censored Board autonomy.
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He said that this would safeguard the future of Nollywood, which he described as a vital cultural economic asset.
“By upholding the NFCVB’s independence, the committee can ensure that Nigerian cinema thrives, entertain and inspire audience both domestically and internationally.
The post Merger: Oransaye report cannot override our verdict, Reps say appeared first on Guardian Nigeria News.
