Peace Corps bill not dead, Akoh insists

National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dickson Akoh, has said he “believes the bill to establish Nigerian Peace Corps is not dead.” Akoh stated this yesterday while reacting to the decision of the members of the House of Representatives to reject the second reading of the bill, thereby failing to override President Muhammadu Buhari’s rejection of the earlier passed bill. According to him, he believes news reports that the bill was dead “is mischievous, highly misleading and a misrepresentation of facts.” “Any discerning mind will know too that it is not the bill itself that suffered a temporary setback via rejection, rather, it is the overriding process initiated by the House of Representatives. “Therefore, without any fear of contradiction, let me say it loud and clear that the Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill is not dead as widely publicised, but still alive and on course,” he said. However, while Akoh said he “believes the bill is not dead; the decision by the House of Representatives means they can no longer override the president’s decision; meaning unless Mr. Buhari recalls the bill, it can no longer become law.” He said there was “a deliberate gang-up against the bill and its good intentions were highly misrepresented by those who have access to Mr. President.” He expressed disappointment over the lawmakers’ decision. (Premium Times)