CAMA: PFN threatens Buhari govt, lists major issues with new law

The Christian body says it has continued to receive calls from several organisations and individuals, following President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent to the Act, originally passed by the National Assembly.

According to PFN, Nigerians are worried and concerned about the law, especially as it relates to the provisions of Section 839 of the Act.

This was contained in a statement signed by Rev. Dr. Felix I. Omobude, PFN’s National President and made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday.

The PFN said it has been in consultation with its team of legal advisers to look at the provisions of the law so that it can come to an informed position and be properly advised on what to do, should the concerns be deemed genuine.

The organisation said it has been told by its team of legal advisers that “there is indeed cause for concern about the Companies and Allied Matters Act recently signed into law, as it concerns civil society organizations, religious bodies and other not-for-profit organisations.”

“Our concerns are founded around provisions of Section 839 (1) (a),(b),(c) which we see as contrary to Section 6(6) and Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“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,” it said.

The PFN said it is majorly concerned about the provision which makes recourse to the vague and nebulous phrase “public interest” as grounds for taking over a non-governmental organisation by the Commission and/or its agents, contrary to Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Not only are there contradictions in the law, we believe that some of its provisions are indeed already covered by other legislation,” the Christian body said.

“In the light of this, we call on President Muhammadu Buhari, the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives to immediately set in motion the machinery for a quick review of the offensive parts of the legislation.

“The 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 the government at all levels, is able to continue to do so without hindrance.”