2019 : NASS Commence Plans To Repackage New Electoral Bill

As preparations for the 2019 elections proceeds, the electoral bill has for the fourth time been repackaged by the National Assembly one for assent by President Muhammadu Buhari.

While speaking with journalist, after a joint meeting of Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) matters, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Suleiman Nazif ( PDP Bauchi North) said that the new move was necessitated by the failure of the three earlier ones to get Presidential assent.

He also noted that the Committee is under pressure as Nigerians are waiting anxiously to hear from the National Assembly.

The Electoral Bill had failed in three different attempts made in the year to get it signed into law as 2018 Electoral Act for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

Senator Nazif said, “I know that this committee is in the eye of the storm and Nigerians are desirous and expecting to hear from us. Here we are, again, trying to address the Electoral Act for the fourth time.

“Nigerians will recall that there was a first Electoral Act (amendment bill), the second and the third one. And if we pass this one it will be the fourth one. I believe that what we are doing is in the best interest of this country. It will address all the fears and we will ensure that we equip INEC with what is necessary and what will ensure free and fair elections in 2019.”

The chairman who refused to give explanation on contentious areas that were to be addressed in the last version that was rejected.

He said Nigerians would be briefed later through media briefing.

Nazif said, “I will not be in a position right now to address the press and I don’t think any member of this committee is in a position to address the press.

“We will have to look at what transpired (concerning the bill) in an executive session and tomorrow ( today ) by 11am, we will call all press men and we will tell you in detail what transpired and the position this committee has taken.”