Osinbajo Says Amendment, An Option To Resolve CAMA Controversy

Speaks On Southern Kaduna Crisis At NBA Conference

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that an option to resolve the controversies surrounding the Companies and Allied Matters Act, is for the National Assembly to Amend it.

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He spoke on Thursday at the ongoing Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) through virtual participation.

“My view is that we have a process by which the concerns can be addressed.

“Whatever the proposals for amendments may be, it should be out into a proposal and presented to the National Assembly.

“We are in a democracy and there are process for concerns to be addressed,” he said.

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Recall that the presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, had condemned sections of the CAMA, maintaining that it was a plot to interfere with the affairs of churches.

The Christian Association of Nigeria had also frowned on the CAMA.

Osinbajo spoke further, “There is a small portion of that legislation that is for incorporated trustees.That section regulates charities. Churches and Mosques are regarded as charities.

“What the churches are concerned about is that in the event that some wrongdoing is found, the Registrar General can go to court to appoint interim administrators to manage the affairs of such a trust.”

He added, “The concern of the churches is that it could lead to a situation where practically anybody can take over.

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“The fear is that the Church is a spiritual organisation and someone who doesn’t share the faith can be appointed as administrator.”

However, he stressed that while the controversial parts of the CAMA could be addressed in line with constitutional provisions, the Act also made provisions for the running of companies.

” True, it is a controversy that has generated fervour but the solutions seem quite evident

“First, the reviewed CAMA is a very huge legislation and has over 800 sections and covers a wide range of issues on companies,” he said.

The VP also touched on the crisis in Southern Kaduna, saying that the perpetrators of the killings should be brought to justice.

“The fact is that we must prosecute persons responsible for these murders or otherwise impunity will worsen. And also support those who have lost their bread winners.

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“The mindless callous killings in Southern Kaduna are heartbreaking.

“And again we must condole those who have lost loved ones and those injured or who have suffered loss of property;these tragedies are unacceptable and they are avoidable.”, he said.

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