NECA DG accuses Reps of working against economy
The National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, have been accused by the Organised Private Sector (OPS) of stretching laws that are counterproductive to the growth and development of the economy.
The OPS, under the aegis of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), decried the brazen attack by various committees and ad-hoc committees of the House of Representatives on enterprise rights,
adding that it has been the practice of these committees seeking to carry out investigation into activities of the private sector under the guise of oversight responsibilities.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Director-General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, said,
“there has been an unhealthy increase in the incidence of unwarranted investigations by the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, into any aspect of the Private Sector’s operation that catches their fancy.”
The concerns of the OPS, according to the DG, are the over-reaching disposition of the lawmakers, lack of respect for the rule of law, the uncivil conduct of lawmakers, the disdainful treatment of stakeholders and unnecessary threats of arrests/bench warrants by the lawmakers amongst others.
Oshinowo stated that the legislators only listen to themselves and have become the law unto themselves.
He also said the lawmakers are already turning the nation to a laughing stock in the global investing community as prospective investors wonder why businesses are under constant siege from those supposed to be responsible for creating a clement environment for enterprise to thrive.
To protect enterprise rights and provide some reliefs to businesses, the DG further said NECA has been left with no option than to seek judicial solace against this flagrant abuse of the rule of law by the lawmakers.
Commenting on the Federal Government’s termination of its contract with Intel Nigeria Limited, a company co-owned by Atiku Abubakar, Oshinowo said due process ought to be followed; and there should be no abuse of sovereign power to breach contractual agreement.
