Nigeria Senate on Wednesday, unanimously voted against the amendment of Section 84( 12) of the Electoral Act 2022 sought by President Muhammadu Buhari.
This followed the presentation of a report by the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi.
Before consideration on the bill, Senator Adamu Aliero in a point of Order, coming under 52(5) of the Senate Standing Order, advised the senate to step down consideration of the bill pending the vacation of a court order delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday.
Order 52(5) provides that, “Reference shall not be made to any matter on which a judicial decision is pending,
According to the Lawmaker, going ahead with the amendment of the Act was in clear conflict with the rule of law which prevents the legislature from deliberating or considering any matter already before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Senate President, while ruling on senator Aliero’s point of Order, insists that the move by the upper chamber to amend the Electoral Act is in line with its Constitutional duties
In a swift reaction, Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe said that a look at the document shows that it is dead on arrival.
He urged the lawmakers to reject the second reading of the bill to deepen democracy in the country adding that an individual cannot be a referee and a player on the same field.
Also read: Court stops Buhari, AGF, Senate President, others from tampering with Electoral Act 2022
Also rejecting the bill, Senator Smart Adeyemi (APC-Kogi) says one of the hallmarks of democracy is Justice, Fairness and Equity.
He added that, it is unjust for anyone to be in office and compete with others without such privilege.
A move by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who was the lone voice to sway the lawmakers was unsuccessful.
The bill received overwhelming rejection after it was put to a voice vote for second reading by the Senate President.
President Muhammadu Buhari had written the National Assembly to outrightly delete Section 84(12), of the newly signed Electoral Act which, according to him, is in conflict with extant Constitutional provisions.
President Buhari added that Section 84(12) of the Act constitutes a disenfranchisement of serving political office holders from voting or being voted for at Conventions or Congresses of any Political Party, for the purpose of nomination of Candidates for any election in cases where it holds earlier than 30 days to the Election.
The PDP had dragged President Muhammad Buhari before the court challenging move to tamper with the amended electoral act.
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
