By Samuel Ogidan and Gift Chapi Odekina
President Muhammadu Buhari has withheld his assent to the Nigerian Peace Corps (establishment) Bill.
The President, in a letter to the House of Representatives, hinged his action on the concern and financial implications of signing the Bill.
He added that the duties of the proposed Corps were already being carried out some security agencies.
Buhari added that the Federal Government has no money to keep it running under the present critical economic situations.
In the letter dated January 25, 2018, which was read to members at plenary on Tuesday by the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Buhari said: “The proposed Nigerian Peace Corps (is) being authorised to undertake activities currently being performed by extant security and law enforcement agencies.
“The financial implications of funding the establishment and operations of the proposed Nigerian Peace Corps, given the scarce financial resources may pose serious challenges to the government.”
The Bill has been a subject of controversy since it was introduced and passed by the National Assembly.
Its critics argued that Corps would duplicate the work of the police and sister security agencies.
The Police, which have opposed the creation of the Corps, recently sealed off the office of the Peace Corps until the court stated otherwise.
In a reaction to the Presidenta��s action last night, the Commandant of the Peace Corps, Mr. Dickson Akor, told The AUTHORITY that just like other bills, it is still work in progress.
He said: a�?The bill is undergoing processes just like other bills.a�?
Buhari declines assent to Nigerian Peace Corps Bill
