AS the controversy over the provisions of the Company and Allied Matters Acts 2020, recently assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari continues, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has also faulted certain sections of the Act.
In line with the stand of the Christian Association of Nigeria, the body specifically faulted Section 839(1) (a), (b), (C) of the CAMA, noting that they negated provisions in Section 6(6) and Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National President, PFN, Felix Omobude, called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to repeal what it described as the offensive parts in the legislation.
“We believe that these provisions, among others, leave the door open to abuse, denial of fair hearing, arbitrariness and dubious use of power by the Commission and/or its agents,” the statement, a copy of which was obtained by The Point, said.
It said the Federal Government could not rely on what it called a vague and nebulous phrase, “public interest” to take over a non-governmental organisation, contrary to Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
It said, “Not only are there contradictions in the law, we believe that some of its provisions are indeed already covered by other legislations… The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) stands with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and reaffirms her position on this matter.
“We are reviewing all options on the table and we will be taking actions in pursuit of a remedy accordingly. We intend to assert our constitutional rights, following the prescribed procedure for redress, to ensure that the not-for-profit sector, which has been standing in the gap for the disadvantaged and underprivileged Nigerians, in the face of neglect by government at all levels, is able to continue to do so without hindrance.”
