Following arguments and counterarguments over the version of the Peace Corps Bill passed into law by the upper and lower legislative chambers, the Nigerian Senate on Thursday affirmed that it was Prof Dickson Akoh’s version that was passed.
The bill that was passed has since been transmitted to the executive, awaiting President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent.
A statement issued by the sponsor of the bill and Senate Committee Chairman on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, clarified that Akoh’s Peace Corps was in tandem with the yearning of Nigerians for the promotion of peace.
He said the bill seeks “an Act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps, which was accordingly considered, harmonised, and adopted by the two chambers of the National Assembly.”
The clarification came against the backdrop of some people, including one, Mustapha, allegedly parading themselves as owners of the bill.
The statement reads: “The attention of the leadership of the Senate and indeed the National Assembly has been drawn to different groups laying claims to the Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Peace Corps, which was harmonised and adopted by the two chambers of the National Assembly.
The statement further maintained that Prof Dickson Akoh, who is the founder and commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, sponsored the bill in the Senate and the House of Representatives before it passed into law.
DAILY POST learnt the Senate was inundated with inquiries since the bill was passed into law and sent to the presidency for assent on April 12, 2023.
