The House of Representatives said the Stephen Oronsaye Committee report on restructuring and rationalisation of Federal Government parastatals, commissions and agencies could not override its verdict.
The report, which is popularly known as “Oronsaye report” was first issued in 2012. It sought to reduce the numbers of departments and agencies of government.
Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka, the Chairman, ad hoc committee on the restructuring of government agencies, parastatals and commission said this at the public hearing in Abuja on Wednesday.
He allayed fears being expressed by some of the agencies, adding that there was nothing to fear in the restructuring as proposed by the Oransanya white paper.
He said that the committee would not act without going through due process, saying, “we are not going to scrap your head behind you.”
According to him, whatever the white paper, the only institution that could tamper with the proposed scrapping of any agency, parastatals or commission was the National Assembly through an act of parliament
He said that there would be recommendations but, added that they must come through parliament.
He however assured some of the agencies, commission and parastatals that every document would be justly treated.
According to him, “in any area we have to establish, we will and where we need to enact a law we will do that.”
The committee assured the agencies of fair hearing, stating that, “we will invite all organisations where you will have the opportunity to speak.
” We assured you that many of the fear you are entertaining regarding laying off of staff, we will not allow that and look into your document.”
It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to implement the long held Oronsaye Committee report in what he describes as his government’s move to cut the cost of governance.
The Federal Executive Council approved the full implementation of the Oronsaye Report on Feb 26.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, went on to inaugurate an eight-member Committee on March 7.
The committee was saddled with the responsibility of implementing recommendations in the report within 12 weeks.
Meanwhile, Dr Okhai, Ajingi, National President, Directors Guild of Nigeria and Chairman Federation of Registered Nollywood Guilds and Association called for the preservation of Nigeria Film and Video Censored Board autonomy.
He said that this would safeguard the future of Nollywood , which he described as a vital cultural economic asset.
“By upholding the NFCVB’s independence, the committee can ensure that Nigeria cinema thrive, entertain and inspire audience both domestically and internationally.(NAN)
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