The Senate President, Senator Lawan has promised that NASS would look into demands for further amendment of the Electoral Law as requested by President Buhari, this is sequel to the President’s request for an immediate amendment to delete Section 84 (12) of the new Act. Lawan noted however that the new piece of legislation, though laudable, would only be useful when it is implemented to the letter by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He told State House Correspondents shortly after the President assented to the bill, “You know, this is a legitimate request and that is why I commend the President.
“I will commend him for so many things, but let me also qualify it that even though he had a disagreement with the section, especially clause 84(12), which talks about political office holders, he still went ahead to sign the bill into law and that is to show his commitment and desire to have an electoral law that will ensure that we have better outcomes when we do elections.
“So, we will look at what he is asking for. I hope they will send the request for the amendment in good time because time is of the essence; INEC is waiting. And we don’t want to spill over some of these dates unnecessarily.
“We will be expecting communication from Mr President concerning this and then the National Assembly in both chambers will look into the request for amendment.”
Lawan also said the new law empowers INEC to conduct credible elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
“It (the bill) is a law today. And for INEC, now you have what you need. INEC, you have to produce the best possible electoral exercise, right from probably the Ekiti and Osun off-season (governorship) elections and of course in the 2023 general elections.
“For Nigerians, law is one thing. Respect for the law is another thing. No matter how beautiful a law is, if there is no desire, no commitment, and obligation to ensure compliance with law, the law could be less effective and efficient. So, I believe that we need to respect the law now that we have an improvement over what we had in the previous years.”
On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives said although laudable, the ninth Assembly would return to “polishing” other pieces of legislation in the pipeline.
According to him, the new Act would immensely improve the quality of the 2023 elections if INEC adhered to relevant clauses to the letter.
He said, “I believe it’s a landmark piece of legislation and has far-reaching implications for the provisions contained therein. I can count offhand at least 10 to 15 provisions in that electoral law. If properly executed by INEC, and the people for who the laws are made, it will be a turning point in the electoral history of Nigeria.
“I’m happy that this day has come. I must say, just like what the Senate President said, we must give it to this ninth Assembly.”
Also, the spokespersons for the Senate and House of Representatives spoke to one of our correspondents on the next line of action.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Ajibola Basiru, said, “The bill has been signed and it has become a law. So, his (Buhari’s) request would be looked at as appropriate. We will look at it, get legal opinions and know the legislative action to take. He should send an executive bill.”
Also, the Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu, hailed Buhari and the leadership and members of the National Assembly while congratulating all Nigerians on the new electoral law.
Kalu said, “Many thought the President was not going to sign it but I never had any doubt because I believed Mr President was not delaying because of self-serving ambition with regards to the electoral bill.
“The question as to Section 84(12) and where to go from here; no law is cast in stone, every law is subject to amendment. I know Mr President is very thorough and he is going to make sure that he communicates his desire to the National Assembly. This will be looked into in a combined effort between us and the leadership of the House as well as consultations with the members of the public – our constituents.”
The National Assembly had passed the reworked bill on January 25, 2022 and transmitted it to the President for assent on January 31, 2022. Buhari vetoed the first version transmitted to him on November 19, 2021, owing to the restriction of political parties to direct primary in the selection of candidates for elections into public offices.