Is The National Assembly Empowered To Cause A Commission Of Enquiry To Be Established To Look Into Matters Of Public Interest?

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Under section 109 of the constitution, the National Assembly has power to set up a committee to inquire into any matter of public importance. It states:

“Committees may be appointed –

(a)    to investigate or inquire into the activities or administration of ministries or departments of the Government, and such investigation or inquiry may extend to making proposals for legislation; or

(b)    to investigate any matter of public importance.”

Furthermore the National Assembly is empowered under section 200 subsection (2) to ask the President to set up a Commission of Inquiry. It states:

“The National Assembly may request the President to establish a Commission of Inquiry for any of the purposes set out in subsection (1).”