Government has challenged the Speaker of Parliament’s reported unilateral establishment of ad hoc parliamentary committees, saying the power to create such committees belongs to Parliament and not the Speaker alone.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, Chief Secretary Justin Saidi said government had taken note of public concerns surrounding the Speaker’s reported move to establish joint committees to investigate matters involving several public institutions.
Saidi said government recognises Parliament’s oversight role but argued that the process must follow the Constitution.
He cited Section 56(6) of the Constitution, which provides that the power to establish parliamentary committees is vested in Parliament.
“Therefore, the Speaker alone or the National Assembly cannot unilaterally constitute ad hoc Parliamentary Committee,” Saidi said.
The statement also referred to Section 49(1) of the Constitution, which provides for Parliament to consist of the National Assembly and the President as Head of State.
The government said its position is aimed at protecting the principles of separation of powers, rule of law and good governance.
The development comes amid controversy over the Speaker’s reported move to establish several ad hoc committees to investigate issues involving public institutions.
