The senate has urged the federal government to suspend the move to scrap the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
The red chamber told secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), George Akume and minister of arts and culture, Hannatu Musa-Musawa in Abuja on Tuesday.
The highest legislative arm in the country stated that if there is a need to scrap any government agency, a bill should first be sent by the executive to that effect to the lawmakers.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by the senator representing Nasarawa south, Mohammed Ogoshi.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu administration had said it would merge and scrap some agencies in line with recommendations made by the Steve Oronsaye report.
Moving his motion, Ogoshi said he is aware of a memo which showed that the minister has already begun the dissolution of the NFVCB.
He said; “The directive violates the National Film and Video Censors Board Act Cap No.40 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as amended).”
“The process of winding down an agency of government which came into force through an Act of parliament should first commence by the repeal of the Act establishing the said agency.
“The Oronsaye report is a committee report that should not override an Act of parliament.
“This abuse of rule of law if it goes unchecked would become a bad precedent going forward.
“There is, therefore, the need to promptly check this illegality by insisting that the right procedures for winding down a statutory agency like NFVCB be followed.”
The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
