Reps will consider Buhari’s concerns, reintroduce Electoral Amendment Bill: Gbajabiamila
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila on Tuesday said the leadership of the House plans to reintroduce the Electoral Amendment Act Bill on January 19 for consideration.
“We must not allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. Therefore, the House will reintroduce the amendment,” Mr Gbajabiamila said at the resumption of plenary for the 2022 legislative year.
He explained that the lower chamber would work quickly to address the mitigating concerns, pass the bill and send it back to the president for assent.
The planned reintroduction of the Bill followed President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to sign it after it was passed by the National Assembly in 2021.
The President had frowned at the mandatory direct party primaries mode imposed on all political parties.
Mr Gbajabiamila, however, said that he remained convinced that direct primary election was valuable for building accountability in the political system.
“On issues relating to inelegant drafting and other technical errors in the Bill, this is a matter of concern as it appears the version sent to the President differs from what is circulating in the public domain.
“However, in December 2021, I appointed a technical team to look into the issue. I expect to have their report within the next day or two so that we can proceed to the next stage,” he said.
Mr Gbajabiamila said the House had less than 13 months to the next general election, noting that time was of the essence.
The speaker said that the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill included many other provisions that would serve the country’s democracy well, adding that the country cannot afford to throw away the baby with the bathwater.
He also said that the current constitutional review effort was as crucial as the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.
Mr Gbajabiamila stated that amending the nation’s constitution to address longstanding areas of disagreement and remove the vestiges of militarism from the country’s democracy was one of the central commitments the House would pursue.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
