Former President Goodluck Jonathan has praised the past Nigerian National Assembly for its independence and boldness in standing up to presidential authority by overriding vetoes on key legislation.
Speaking at the Champions of Nigerian Content Awards Dinner organized by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Jonathan reflected on a time when the legislature demonstrated strong democratic principles.
Receiving the Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award, Jonathan recalled his swift approval of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Bill while serving as Acting President in 2010.
The bill, he noted, was a product of a proactive and committed legislature.
“I was eager to sign the bill into law.
It was championed by Senator Lee Maeba from Rivers State and others who deserve credit for their efforts.
That period reflected a truly vibrant National Assembly,” Jonathan said.
He also referenced the 2000 passage of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) bill, which became law despite opposition from then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“In that case, the National Assembly overrode the President’s veto. Unlike in many countries where the President holds veto power, Nigeria’s constitution allows the legislature to enforce a bill into law if the President withholds assent for 30 days—provided a two-thirds majority supports it by headcount,” he explained.
Jonathan concluded by commending Senator Maeba and his colleagues for their role in strengthening Nigeria’s legislative process during that era.