Breaking: Discordant tunes in Senate over proposed electronic transmission of election results, harmonised PIB passed

Plenary in Senate is currently stalemated over amendment made on proposed electronic transmission of results.

Earlier, the Senate had passed harmonised Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The upper legislative chamber ran into trouble waters when it got to clause 52(3) of the Electoral Act ( Amendment ) 2021 .

The clause states, “The Commission may transmit results of elections by electronic means where and when practicable”.

But the Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Aliyi Sabi Abdullahi (APC Niger North), moved for amendment which was adopted.

Senator Abdullahi’s amendment made provision for confirmation of workings of the National Network by the  Nigerian Communication Commission ( NCC) and approval of the National Assembly for electronic transmission of results.

Spirited efforts made by Senator Albert Akpan Bassey ( PDP Akwa Ibom North West) for retention of the original proposal made in the clause failed as his amendment was voted against as ruled by the Senate President .