Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has given President Bola Tinubu a seven-day deadline to take action on the Federal Audit Service Bill, urging him to either sign the legislation into law or explain to the National Assembly why he is withholding assent.
Atiku warned that failure to comply with what he described as the president’s constitutional duty should lead to Tinubu’s resignation.
In a statement released on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president accused the president of violating the 1999 Constitution by failing to act on the bill within the required timeframe.
He argued that the Constitution does not allow a president to remain silent on bills passed by the National Assembly indefinitely.
“Nigerians deserve clarity, not silence. The constitution neither authorises executive inaction nor contemplates indefinite presidential delay,” Atiku said.
He cited Section 58(4) of the Constitution, which requires the president to either assent to or reject a bill within 30 days of receiving it.
According to him, the provision is a constitutional requirement and not a matter of presidential discretion.
“The framers of our constitution never envisaged a president who would simply sit on legislation indefinitely while governance drifts without certainty or accountability,” he stated.
The Federal Audit Service Bill is aimed at strengthening the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, improving public financial oversight and ensuring better accountability in government spending.
Atiku said delaying action on the bill sends a negative message at a time when Nigerians are demanding stronger institutions and greater transparency from government.
He accused the Tinubu administration of showing a wider pattern of disregard for constitutional responsibilities, warning that neglecting institutional rules could weaken democracy.
“Every major scandal begins with a smaller act of institutional neglect. It begins when constitutional provisions are treated as optional and oversight institutions are weakened,” he said.
The former vice president also linked the issue to recent controversies surrounding government institutions, including the proposed Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, saying such situations highlight the importance of strong constitutional safeguards.
He maintained that executive power must always operate within the limits of the law.
“The same constitution that confers enormous powers on the president also places clear obligations upon him. Executive authority is not a licence for constitutional indifference,” Atiku added.
Under Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution, the president has 30 days after receiving a bill from the National Assembly to either give assent or withhold it. If assent is refused, the National Assembly can override the decision with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.
The Federal Audit Service Bill seeks to modernise Nigeria’s audit system, strengthen the financial independence of the Auditor-General’s office and improve oversight of public funds.
As of the time of filing the report, the Presidency had not responded to Atiku’s comments.
