Legislature
Electoral act Ammendment: Senators talk tough, vow to override Buhari’s veto power
***Majority of senators this time around are prepared to override Buhari, says Moro
***73 senators signatures already collated, says Sekibo
Apparently piqued by the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari not to assent to the Electoral Act 2021 (Amendment Bill) some aggrieved senators have been talking tough on collation of signatures to override the President’s veto power.
Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Abba Moro has given the assurance that majority of senators including himself are prepared this time around to override the President.
This was just as Senator George Sekibo (PDP River East) disclosed that about 73 signatures of aggrieved lawmakers have been collated adding that there is no going back on the decision to override Buhari.
Prior to his brief interview with press men after the plenary Senator Sekibo had earlier demanded that the upper chamber go into a closed session after sighting Order 14 of the Senate Rules which has to do with members’ privileges.
Senator Sekibo used the opportunity of the closed session to vent his anger on the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to Withhold his assent to the Electoral Bill after it was duly passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly.
After the closed session that lasted for about 40 minutes, they could not continue with all other items listed in the order paper for the day including the much celebrated passage of the 2022 Appropriations bill.
Senator Moro while continuing said,
“I can assure you that my colleagues senators and I are prepared this time around to override the president.
Sen. Abba Moro said, “Let me let you know that the President had reasons to reject the electoral act and it is not the first, you will recall in 2019 the President for the reason of the inclusion of electronics transmission of results rejected the electoral act.
“Here we are, the reasons given to my mind and the minds of majority of senators are not enough because all stakeholders have acknowledged the fact that the amended electoral act as it is today contains very fantastic provisions that could deepen democracy.
“So if we reject the amended electoral act because of direct Primaries it is very unfortunate. Let me say whether you like it or not our electoral system given the background of the average Nigerians especially politicians, there is no way you can prevent any politician from trying to induce or corrupt the electorate.
“It is embedded in our style that you must go to the people either via stomach infrastructure or monetary inducement but let me say this that the cost implication that is being used as an excuse now is neither here nor there because relevant stakeholders in the electoral process especially the INEC has told you that there is no additional cost implication.
“As a matter of fact, as a member of appropriation committee when INEC chairman was invited, he frankly told us that even in the present electoral act that provide for Direct and Indirect, that they are prepared for all forms of election, which means they prepared for Direct or indirect.
“Assuming a party opts for direct primary INEC will not ask for additional funds. So by my experience it is the aspirants that bear the cost of primaries.
“The party only send people to monitor, INEC will also send people to monitor and observe. In all the 774 local Governments in the country INEC has personal across, not one not two, no five , so they are there in their numbers.
“So they will be able to monitor. The INEC chairman has said they will be able to handle Direct Primary.
“So Buhari has no excuse. In any case we are conducting election every year here. You are talking about security concern, are we not going to hold election in 2023 in all pulling units, not in Local Government headquarters, not in ward but in all polling units.
“If the security people stretched now as being claimed how stretched would they be during the 2023 election.
On what they will do next, he said the rules are very clear, “As far as I am concerned majority of senators and Members of the house of Reps conceded to this very amendment and this amendment to us represented the greatest leap forward deepening democracy because it is providing for a participation of the wider number of electorate, party members to select those to fly their flags and invariably who will lead them.
“So anything otherwise is shrinking the political space for a few person’s”
“Now the president has rejected our ammendment the law is very clear, section 58 of the constitution on how National Assembly can pass law on how the President can assent to the law and if the President refuses to assent to the law, how the National Assembly can override him”
“On this note we are convinced that majority of Nigerians like the ammendment as proposed, direct primaries, electronic transmission, use of card reader and so one reason or the other for the President to reject the ammendment.
“In 2019 the reason for rejection was transmission of election, now the same electronics transmission are there, he has no problem with it any more now he has problem with direct primary.
“So if it is one reason enough to reject the exposition of the will of the people through direct primary.”
On whether the senators are trying to get back at the Governors he said
“I don’t know about Governor’s who go to anywhere, people chose their representatives, some Governor’s are against Direct Primary.
“This is democracy, they are free not to like Direct Primary but majority of senators and a sizeable number of Governor’s are also not opposed to direct primary and any democrat whether you are Governor or senator it is instructive that you be on the side of the people.
“We are attempting to widen democracy, it may serve a particular purpose in this election but we are talking about a sustainable, a durable electoral process and by all standards that gives room for members of the political party to chose their leaders.
“This is certainly a better one than handing over the destiny of all Nigerians to a few cabals that want to control the commonwealth of this country and tht is not acceptable.”
Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has extended his condolences to Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno State following the recent devastating floods that have ravaged parts of the state.
A statement by his media adviser Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo quoted Lawan to have expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and property caused by the disaster, which has left many residents displaced and without livelihoods.
He urged swift intervention from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.
Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District, commended Governor Zulum’s efforts in responding to the flood disaster and pledged his support for the affected communities.
The former Senate President’s statement conveyed his solidarity with the people of Borno State during this challenging time.
The statement reads, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the severe flooding in Borno State, which has caused untold hardship and suffering to our compatriots. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and property in this disaster.
“I urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to swiftly provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.“
“I want to commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his proactive efforts in evacuating residents from the flooded areas and providing temporary shelters for them. His leadership has been instrumental in minimizing the impact of the disaster.“
He commended the federal government for providing additional support to Borno State to enable it to cope with the aftermath of the flood.
Lawan also urged the Borno State government to work with relevant agencies to find lasting solutions to the flooding in the state.
“While we commiserate with the victims of the flood, we must also work towards finding lasting solutions to this perennial problem. The Borno State government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, should embark on a comprehensive flood control programme to mitigate future disasters,” he said.
Senator Lawan prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the flood and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
From Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has reconvened after a lengthy recess, with Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf expressing gratitude and excitement over the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s victory in the November 11th governorship election.
In his welcome address to members, Speaker Yusuf commended the lawmakers for their solidarity and assured them of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s commitment to collaborative governance for the state’s betterment.
Yusuf stated, “The Supreme Court’s pronouncement has profound significance for all of us, both as members of this esteemed assembly and as a state. We attribute this triumph to the Almighty God.”
The Speaker emphasized the legislature’s unity across party lines, saying, “As lawmakers, we have collectively rejoiced at this outcome, demonstrating our commitment to working harmoniously for the state’s progress.”
The assembly pledged its support for the executive branch, ensuring a harmonious working relationship to drive development and progress in Kogi State.
***Applauds Numerous Achievements in 7 Months
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed a Vote of Confidence on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, lauding his outstanding achievements over the past seven months.
The vote of confidence was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session following the adoption of a motion on Urgent Public Importance, moved by Hon. Akus Lawal (APC-Ankpa 1).
In his motion, Hon. Akus highlighted the governor’s significant accomplishments in fiscal discipline, financial management, agriculture, health, security, infrastructure development, and education.
The motion commended Governor Ododo’s efforts in reducing the state’s domestic debt from N121 billion to N38 billion, earning Kogi State a “B-” rating with a positive outlook from FITCH Ratings.
The governor’s initiatives in agriculture, such as designating 8,000 hectares of farmland, releasing N8 billion to farm clusters, and refurbishing 200 tractors, were also praised.
In health, the motion recognized the governor’s efforts in formalizing the Health Insurance Scheme, revitalizing over 70 primary health centers, and distributing essential consumables and hospital equipment.
The governor’s commitment to security, infrastructure development, and education was acknowledged as well, including the engagement of local hunters and vigilantes, the launch of a metropolitan quick response unit, and the construction of roads and model colleges.
The House of Assembly’s vote of confidence is a testament to Governor Ododo’s dedication to transforming Kogi State and improving the lives of its citizens.
Hon. Jibrin Abu (APC-Ajaokuta) seconded the motion, which was supported by other members. In their various submissions, they applauded the governor for his achievements despite the pressure from ongoing litigation.
In his ruling on the motion, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that despite the pending litigation from the election, the governor had achieved a great deal within seven months. He highlighted Governor Ododo’s impact on fiscal discipline, financial management, debt reduction, improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and advancements in the agricultural sector.
Speaker Yusuf also emphasized the tremendous support the health sector has received under Ododo’s administration, from private healthcare to tertiary health institutions. He noted significant improvements in security, infrastructure development across the three senatorial districts, continuity and support for education, as well as reforms and improvements in Kogi’s civil service at both the state and local government levels.
He concluded that the governor not only deserves a pass mark but also excellence, and that a Vote of Confidence to support and encourage him was indeed in order.
Speaker Yusuf then adopted the motion following overwhelming voice votes in favor of the motion.
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