Friday, April 25, 2025
Home Legislature Electoral Act Bill: Senate to consult Reps on next line of action...

Electoral Act Bill: Senate to consult Reps on next line of action – Lawan

 

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Tuesday said that the Senate would consult with the House of Representatives on how to respond to President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

Mr Lawan made this known after the upper chamber rose from a closed session to deliberate on the President’s decision to withhold assent to the electoral bill passed by the National Assembly.

 

According to the Senate President, the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not permit the upper chamber to exclusively take any action on such matters in the absence of the House of Representatives, since the latter has embarked on recess.

He, however, assured that a joint position would be reached with the House after due consultation with Nigerians to determine the appropriate line of action when both chambers reconvene from the Christmas break in January.

Speaking on what transpired in the closed session, Lawan said, “The Senate in a closed session deliberated on matters relevant to the workings of the Senate in particular and, the National Assembly in general.

“The Senate also in the closed session discussed how to respond to the letter from Mr. President on the electoral bill amendment.

“The Senate consequently resolved to consult with the House of Representatives in January when both the Senate and House will be in session.

“Presently, the House of Reps has gone or recess and like we all know, the constitutional provision is for the Senate and House of Representatives to jointly take the appropriate action.

“The Senate also resolved to consult with our constituents during our recess in January.

“The Senate believes that our constituents have a role to play as the major stakeholders in the laws that we make in the National Assembly.”

President Buhari in the letter dated December 13, 2021, had explained that his decision to withhold assent to the electoral bill was informed by advice from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government after a thorough review.

According to the President, signing the bill into law would have serious adverse legal, financial, economic and security consequences on the country, particularly in view of Nigeria’s peculiarities.

He added that it would also impact negatively on the rights of citizens to participate in the government as constitutionally ensured.

DAILY NIGERIAN

RELATED ARTICLES

National Assembly Determined To Promote Gender Equity – Akpabio

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, says the 10th National Assembly is determined to promote gender equity. He stated this during an international...

Senate Rejects Buhari’s Request To Amend Electoral Act

The Senate on Wednesday rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s request to amend the Electoral Act, 2022. The proposed law, “A bill for an Act to Amend...

Constitutional Amendment: Aisha Buhari Attends Senate Plenary

First Lady Aisha Buhari has attended the plenary session in the Senate House of Assembly. The First Lady was at the plenary to witness the...

Most Popular

Edo killings: A call for protection of Northerners in Southern Nigeria By Kabiru Sani Shawai

In 1960, Nigeria got independence and of course, the experienced native leaders took the leadership mantle from the colonial masters. The country had a...

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Visits Finance Minister, Wale Edun

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has paid a working visit to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr....

Nigeria’s Health Minister takes father to a public hospital for treatment

By Muhammad Amaan The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has taken his father to the National Hospital, Abuja...

FG Converts Kumo General Hospital to Federal Medical Center

The Federal Government has taken over the General Hospital, Kumo, in Gombe State, converting it into a Federal Medical Centre. The newly established Kumo Federal...

Recent Comments