LunagisthubAkpabio Clarifies Senate’s Position on Electoral Act Amendment
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has responded to critics of the Senate’s ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act. Akpabio claimed that the Senate did not remove electronic transmission of election results from the amendment, but rather only questioned the requirement for real-time transmission.
Akpabio emphasized that the Senate has not concluded work on the bill, and public debate is premature. He noted that the lawmakers are still in the process of reviewing the bill, and the final version will be determined after considering the Votes and Proceedings .
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticized the Senate’s decision, describing it as a weakening of the legal foundation for transparent elections. The NBA called on the Senate to include mandatory electronic transmission of election results in the Act .
Akpabio urged critics to be patient and allow the legislative process to run its course. He expressed disappointment that some stakeholders are already on television criticizing the Senate without having a full understanding of the bill .
The controversy surrounding the Electoral Act amendment highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The Senate’s clarification is expected to allay fears and ensure that the amendment process is conducted in a fair and transparent manner .
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