Senate in rowdy session as senators disagree over the electronic transmission of results
The Senate session on Thursday turned rowdy over the electoral act amendment bill.
This process has, however, been disrupted by disagreement among lawmakers over Section 52(3) of the bill.
This section deals with the electronic transmission of results during elections.
It states” The Commission may transmit results of elections by electronic means where and when practicable.”
The lawmakers were already having the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill when they arrived at this Section and the Senate Deputy Whip, Sabi Abdullahi, moved to amend the section.
“The commission may consider electronic transmission provided the national network coverage is adjudged to be adequate and secure by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and approved by the National Assembly,” he proposed.
This stirred murmuring in the chamber but the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, moved that they vote on the amendment.
When put to vote, the resounding “nays” were louder than the “ayes” but Mr Lawan ruled in favour of the amendment.
But Albert Bassey, senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East, kicked against the idea and said the initial proposal made by the committee should be retained.
Another vote was done and Mr Lawan again, ruled in favour of Mr Abdullahi’s amendment.
Loud arguments and chaos followed as unsatisfied lawmakers were seen leaving their seats and shouting – making it unable for either the Chief Whip or Mr Lawan to control the lawmakers.
The shouting continued for over 15 minutes after which Mr Lawan called for an executive session.
The Senate and House of Representatives had, on Wednesday, received the report on the electoral act amendment bill.
The bill was laid before the upper and lower legislative chambers after the chairmen of the INEC committees moved a motion on it.
Newsflash Nigeria had reported how the national assembly leadership had earlier blocked the proposed electronic transmission of election results.
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Section 50 (2) of the bill was modified by the leadership of both chambers to read: “Voting in an election under this Bill shall be in accordance with the procedure determined by the Commission, which may include electronic voting, PROVIDED that the Commission shall not transmit results of elections by electronic means.”
The issue of electronic voting has been a major recommendation from Nigerians and the lawmakers at some point, attempted to omit that section from the legislation.
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