The Senate on Wednesday threw out President Muhammdu Buhari’s Bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act, 2022.
The Bill entitled: “A Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act 2022 and for related matters, 2022,” was overwhelming rejected by Senators, a development that effectively stopped its second reading. The Bill scaled first reading on Tuesday despite a court order barring the Senate from acting on it.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan challenged the Court order saying that the Judiciary cannot in any circumstances stop the Legislature from performing its constitutional duties.
Before the Senate commenced consideration of the Bill on Wednesday, Senator Adamu Aliero had, while citing order 52(5) of the Senate Standing Rules, urged the Senate President to jettison proposed action on the Bill.
Lawan was however adamant. He reiterated his position that only senators may reject the Bill and not the judiciary seeking to stop the chamber from performing its lawful duties through an order.
Senators however voted overwhelmingly against the Bill to stop it from being read a second time.