Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has applauded the vibrant National Assembly of his tenure, highlighting its ability to override presidential vetoes on critical legislation. His remarks were made during the Champions of Nigerian Content Awards Dinner, organized by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Awarded the Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award, Jonathan reminisced about his eagerness to sign the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Bill, a significant piece of legislation initiated by Senator Lee Maeba and others. He noted, “When I was acting President in 2010, I promptly signed it, establishing a monitoring body.”
Jonathan emphasized the assertiveness of the National Assembly, recalling how it passed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) bill despite President Obasanjo’s initial refusal to sign it. He pointed out that in Nigeria, it is the National Assembly that can exercise veto power if the President does not assent to a bill within 30 days.
He concluded by commending Lee Maeba and his team for their contributions, reinforcing the importance of a strong legislative body in Nigeria’s governance.
