Reps Reject Bill Seeking to Strip INEC of Its Powers to Register, Regulate Political Parties, Other Bills
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that a bill seeking to strip the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its powers to register and regulate political parties has failed to scale through at the house of representatives.
OTN News further reports that the bill, which was sponsored by the speaker of the house, Tajudeen Abbas, was rejected by the lawmakers during Tuesday's plenary.
OTN News gathered that the house also rejected a bill sponsored by the deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, seeking the rotation of the presidency among the six geopolitical zones.
OTN News further gathered that the green chamber also rejected some bills which include: a bill to create the office of state auditor-general for local governments and the federal capital territory area councils; a bill to ensure the number of judges at the federal high court is not less than 100; a bill to empower the National Judicial Council to determine and review, in collaboration with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the salaries, allowances, and other emoluments of judicial officers and judiciary staff; and a bill to create Ughelli east LGA in Delta state.
OTN News observes that of all the rejected bills, only the one on zoning was debated as Kalu, who led the debate said that the bill would promote inclusivity across the federation
According to him, “This will enable every part of this country to contribute to the national leadership of this country.
“There is no region that does not have capable people who can lead. It would increase national cohesion and national unity. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.” he added.
Subsequently, a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and deputy minority leader, Sani Madaki, rejected the bill, saying that the zoning should be a political party affair.
Giving his opinion, the minority whip, Ali Isa, endorsed the bill, noting that it would address marginalisation and promote fairness.
Clement Jimbo, a lawmaker from Akwa Ibom, backed the bill, argued that it would “cure an age-long injustice” in the country, predominantly minority zones that may not have the chance to rule.
Mohammed el-Rufai from Kaduna against the bill, he said that the bill could violate Nigerians’ constitutional rights to run for president.
However, after the debate, Kalu called for a voice vote on the bill, including the ones that were not debated, but lawmakers voted against them.
Following the rejection, the chairman of the house committee on rules and business, Francis Waive, raised a point of order requesting that the rejected bills be considered individually.
Consequently, the house resolved that a motion should be proposed by the committee for the rescission of its decision.
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