Elections sequence: Senate re-introduces Electoral Act Amendments Bill

The Senate, yesterday, joined the House of Representatives in re-starting the process for re-ordering of the sequence of elections in 2019 by reintroducing the Electoral Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill 2018.
The bill, presented by Senator Suleiman Nazif (APC, Bauchi North) passed its first reading during plenary.
The House of Representatives had, last week, re-introduced its version of the controversial bill which President Muhammadu Buhari refused assenting to.
The Senate in particular, had on February 14, 2018, in its passage of the bill, adopted Section 25(1) inserted into it by the House, containing reordering of sequence of 2019 general elections different from the earlier one announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The sequence, as proposed by the new amendments, put the National Assembly election first and to be followed by the Governorship and State Assembly Elections, while that of Presidential election would come last.
And by INEC’s arrangement however, Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold first on February 16, 2019, while the Governorship and House of Assembly elections will take place on March 2, of the same year.
President Buhari, in a letter forwarded to the two chambers of the National Assembly, a copy of which was read on the fl oor of the Senate by its President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, specifically vetoed the bill on March 5, for reasons bordering on infractions on constitutional provisions particularly the one on new sequence of elections.
In addition, the president stated that he was complying with the provisions of Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution, particularly sub-section 4, by refusing to sign the bill.
However, the development generated controversy with some lawmakers, led by Senator Abdullahi Adamu (APC Nasarawa West), alleging that it was targeted at Buhari’s possible re-election.
Also, the Federal High Court, Abuja, on March 14, asked the National Assembly not to take any further action on the Electoral Act amendment bill.
The court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, ordered all the parties to maintain status quo antebellum, “at least between now and the next adjourned date”.
Justice Mohammed had invoked Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which he said empowered the court to protect the Res (subject matter) of the substantive suit pending before it.
The court said it took into cognisance, the fact that the National Assembly could activate its powers under section 58(5) of the Constitution, and commence the process of securing twothird majority it would require to override President Buhari’s refusal to assent to the bill, while the suit is pending before it.
On the $50, 000 ‘bribe’ Meanwhile, the Senate has expressed displeasure over allegation that some senators and House of Representatives members were being bribed by the executive with $50,000 and $30,000, respectively, to prevent the National Assembly from overriding President Buhari’s veto on the bill.
Consequently, it mandated its committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to carry out thorough investigation on the allegation published in the Sun newspaper of Monday, March 26, 2018 and report back within a week.
This resolution was sequel to a motion moved to that effect by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (PDP, Delta North).
Nwaoboshi, who rose through Orders 14 and 15 of the Senate Standing Rules, said the allegation affected his privilege, integrity and that of the Senate.
According to him, his constituents were calling him me for explanations on the allegation, and that “it is unfortunate that many of us are being dragged into this development.
” Also speaking, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (PDP, Abia North), said the allegation was scandalous and must be investigated.
“I stand here to declare that I know nothing about it.
This matter must be thoroughly investigated to find out whoever is involved, and that such a person is brought to book.
“Not only is the Senate affected by this unfounded allegation but also our colleagues in the House of Representatives alleged to be collecting $30,000 to foil the plan to override Buhari’s veto on the said bill.
” To this end, Senate President Saraki, said the allegation clearly impugns on the integrity of the entire members of the hallowed chambers and must be investigated for Nigerians to know the truth.