House Of Reps Consider “Dishonoured Register” For Persons Who Mislead Nigerians

The House of Representatives is proposing naming and shaming persons who make false claims, presentations and representations that can mislead the government and Nigerians.

Such persons, if found guilty, may also be barred from holding public offices.

The proposal is contained in the ‘Bill for an Act to Provide for Moral Accountability for Nigerian Citizens and for Related Matters.’

Sponsor of the bill, Mr Awaji-Inombek Abiante, in the explanatory memorandum on the legislation said, “This bill seeks to make Nigerians morally accountable for their actions and inaction. The current attitude/behaviour of some Nigerians is inimical to public interest and the general development of our country (Nigeria), hence the need to enact this bill to safeguard the integrity of the country from being eroded through the actions/inaction of an individual or group of people.”

The bill, a copy of which our correspondent obtained last week, read, “(1) Every Nigerian, irrespective of his/her profession who (i) wilfully tell lies to Nigerians with a view to gaining an undue advantage over a personal or national issue; (ii) makes a false representation before any established authority investigating any administrative or criminal infractions, with the intention to hide or cover the truth, deceive or mislead such an authority with intent to escape justice; (iii) makes a false representation in any document for a personal gain or advantage; shall be named, shamed and black-listed.

“(2) Such an individual shall not be eligible to hold any public office whether elective or appointive.”