CSO asks Tinubu to withhold assent to ‘statute-barred’ digital forensics bill

A civil society organisation, the African Leadership Strategy and Transparency for Development Initiative (ALSTDI), has urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the digital forensics bill, citing constitutional concerns.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the group argued that the bill has become statute-barred following the expiration of the constitutionally stipulated period for presidential action. According to ALSTDI, the legislation—intended to establish the Chartered Institute of Digital Forensics of Nigeria—was transmitted to the presidency on February 25, 2026.

The organisation maintained that any attempt to sign the bill into law after the deadline would contravene constitutional provisions, stressing the need for strict adherence to due process in legislative matters.

ALSTDI further called on the National Assembly to revisit the bill if necessary, ensuring that all procedural requirements are properly followed before it is reconsidered.

Legal analysts note that issues surrounding timelines for presidential assent are critical in determining the validity of legislation, and failure to act within the prescribed period can render a bill ineffective.

The group emphasised that upholding constitutional standards is essential for maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative and governance processes.