CSO Urges Tinubu to Withhold Assent to ‘Statute-Barred’ Digital Forensics Bill

Bennett Oghifo

A civil society organisation, the African Leadership Strategy and Transparency for Development Initiative (ALSDI), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refrain from assenting to the Bill seeking to establish the Chartered Institute of Digital Forensics of Nigeria, describing the legislation as statute-barred under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The group made the call on Monday during a press briefing in Abuja, where its Executive Director and Convener, Comrade Nelson Ossaieze, warned that any presidential assent to the Bill beyond the constitutionally stipulated timeframe would amount to a violation of the Constitution.

Ossaieze disclosed that official records indicate the National Assembly transmitted the Bill to the President through the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly under a covering letter dated February 23, 2026.

According to him, the Presidency acknowledged receipt of the document on February 25, 2026.

Citing Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he noted that the law clearly stipulates that the President must either signify assent or withhold assent to a Bill within 30 days of its transmission.

“By operation of this provision, the constitutional window for presidential action on the Bill expired on March 25, 2026. The implication is clear and definitive. The Bill has become statute-barred and is no longer eligible for presidential assent,” Ossaieze stated.

He cautioned that granting assent after the expiration of the constitutional deadline would not only contravene the Constitution but also establish a troubling precedent capable of undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic governance.

According to him, the constitutional provision leaves no room for administrative discretion or manipulation once the stipulated timeframe has elapsed.

The civil society group also expressed concern over reports that some promoters of the Bill were allegedly making efforts to circumvent due process in order to secure presidential assent.

Ossaieze described such moves as unacceptable and warned that any attempt to influence the process outside constitutional procedures would erode public confidence in democratic institutions and weaken the authority of the Constitution.

He further revealed that during the public hearing stage of the Bill at the National Assembly, several critical institutions within Nigeria’s security, regulatory and anti-corruption architecture raised strong objections to the proposed institute.

Among the institutions he listed were the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN).

According to the ALSDI executive director, these organisations expressed concerns about the necessity, structure and potential implications of establishing the institute.

He noted the alignment of several key national institutions against the Bill raised serious questions regarding its credibility, relevance and compatibility with existing regulatory frameworks.

“The reservations expressed by these agencies should not be taken lightly. These are institutions directly involved in Nigeria’s security, anti-corruption and technology governance frameworks. Their concerns speak to broader national interests,” he said.

Ossaieze added that the decision of the National Assembly to proceed with the passage of the Bill despite the strong objections from major stakeholders deserved closer scrutiny.

He said the development had raised questions about legislative judgement and the extent to which stakeholder input was adequately considered during the legislative process.

Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s capacity to uphold the Constitution and act in the national interest.

“We believe President Tinubu understands the gravity of constitutional responsibility and the importance of safeguarding democratic principles,” he said.

The organisation therefore called on the President to decline assent to the Bill and resist any form of pressure aimed at influencing the constitutional process.

Ossaieze further advised the promoters of the legislation to return to the National Assembly and initiate a fresh legislative process that would comply fully with constitutional provisions and ensure broader stakeholder engagement.

According to him, a renewed legislative effort, anchored on transparency and inclusive consultation, would better serve the country’s institutional development and democratic integrity.