The House of Representatives yesterday threw out a bill that aimed to amend the National Honours Act.The bill sought to provide for the screening of the list of proposed recipients of national honours by members of the National Assembly  after they have been approved by the Federal Executive Council.

The Bill also sought to empower the National Assembly to strip recipients of the award if necessary.Sponsor of the bill, Femi Gbajabiamila (AC, Lagos) had argued that over the years, the awards had been mired in controversy due to irregularities in the selection processes and called for a more transparent and rigorous procedure that truly rewards hard work.

Gbajabiamila, who is House Minority Whip lamented that in recent times, the award has lost its relevance as it has now become an all-comers affair.

"The system has been abused and misused. Today it is an all-comers affair that is given to all and sundry. The award has been ridiculed so much that it is rejected by people of honour in the society. The news is no longer who got a national award, but who rejected it."

He observed that the National Assembly as representatives of the people was better placed to screen and give awards to deserving Nigerians.

"The National Assembly should be given a role of confirmation while the federal executive council can go ahead and nominate. The National Assembly should also be empowered to strip anyone of the award if found guilty of misconduct," he added

His colleagues however voted down the bill when Speaker Dimeji Bankole put it up for voice vote.