JUST IN: Buhari Refuses To Approve Peace Corps Bill

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, February 27, declined his assent to the Peace Corps Establishment bill passed by the National Assembly in 2017.

According to a letter read by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on the floor of the chamber, Mr. Buhari cited security concerns and financial implications amongst reasons for his decision.

Speaker @YakubDogara read communication from @NGRPresident on declining presidential assent to the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill, citing duplication and scarce financial resources.

— House of Reps NGR (@HouseNGR) February 27, 2018

Specifically, the president said the organisation is a duplication of existing security agencies.

Some members of the Peace Corps

The bill has been widely anticipated by many Nigerians who believe the creation of the corps will help address the nation’s unemployment crisis.

Bear in mind that the Peace Corps Bill had passed first, second and third reading on the floor of both Chambers of the National Assembly.

The bill was subsequently passed by the National Assembly in 2017 and forwarded to the Presidency for assent.

Details later….