Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to either sign the Federal Audit Service Bill into law or formally communicate his decision to withhold assent within seven days.
In a statement released on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the prolonged delay in acting on the bill is inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to him, Section 58(4) of the Constitution requires the President to either approve or decline assent to any bill transmitted by the National Assembly within 30 days. He maintained that the constitutional provision is mandatory and does not permit indefinite delays.
Atiku said Nigerians deserve transparency from the Presidency, warning that continued silence on the legislation could weaken public trust in democratic institutions and constitutional governance.
He also expressed concern that delaying a bill aimed at strengthening public accountability sends the wrong message at a time when citizens are demanding greater transparency in the management of public resources.
The former vice president further alleged that the President’s failure to act reflects a broader disregard for constitutional obligations, stressing that adherence to the law should begin with those entrusted with the highest public office.
He noted that while the Constitution grants significant executive powers to the President, it also imposes clear responsibilities, insisting that constitutional democracy depends on leaders respecting both.
The Federal Audit Service Bill seeks to strengthen the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, reform Nigeria’s public audit system and improve oversight of government spending.
Under Section 58(5) of the Constitution, the National Assembly may override a presidential refusal to assent to a bill if it secures a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
