Editorial: CAMA, Not Law of Karma

If reason and good conscience are brought to bear, much of problems encountered in modern societies in the course of politics, policies and good governance will be a simple walk-over. Social malaises and policy encumbrances will be thrown overboard. In Nigeria in particular, with reference to the incumbent administration of President Muhamadu Buhari, the segment of the populace that is supposed to be source of rich enlightenment to the masses appears to be averse and overtly critical, in the most negative posture to policies and programmes, which, provided necessary anchorage, would have done lots of good to the generality of citizenry and generations to come.

Recent outcry, which greeted the amended Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), just endorsed by Mr. President is an example of such laws and policies which, if given chance and lease, could transform our space and terrains, improve on ease of doing business, in tandem with international best practices thereby. Instead, fever-pitch criticisms and discordant voices, signalling outright disapproval greeted the improved law, particularly, from the non-profit-making sector of the economy. All attempts by the Federal Government to clear the fog off the new Act, through its information and enlightenment machineries, appear to fall on deaf ears of the public.

We need, at this stage to note, sadly, that in a democracy, such amendment of a vital section of our constitution and laws should not have seen the light of day without government feeling the pulse of the populace. We have the State Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly. Memoranda, reflective of public opinions and compelling the effectiveness of such on the new law should have been sought. This is the integral nucleus of self-governance, tagged in public parlance as Beauty of Democracy. An extra mile is getting the public properly oriented on the good sides and strengths of the amendments beforehand, so that the people, the end-target, will not become alien passive recipients to the laws.

Now that the die is cast, all is not lost. Government should be duty-bound to take recourse to educate all and sundry on the good qualities of the new law. Not only this, the National Assembly remains the bicameral hallowed chambers for the representatives, who are the ear, eye, nose and skin of the people. The law should, at best, be referred to this legislative sanctuary for reconsideration, in copious consonance with the wishes and aspiration of the people.

Lastly, the call goes to all Nigerians, in their classes and castes, to give tolerance and civility a chance. Rather than throwing out the child with the bath water, let us be more constructive and better tolerant of government. At the end of it all, our interests and good conscience will prevail. Let us provide necessary conducive atmosphere and enablement for our democracy to thrive.