Buhari Hosts Lawan, Gbajabiamila In Aso Rock (Photos)

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, played host to Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The leaders met at the Aso Rock presidential villa in Abuja.

Naija News reports the meeting is the first between the leaders after President Buhari communicated his decision to reject the amended electoral bill to the National Assembly leaders.

See some photos from the meeting.

It will be recalled Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, have confirmed President Muhammadu Buhari’s rejection of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Naija News had reported that President Buhari failed to sign the bill into law over some contentious issues in the document.

Both the Speaker and the Senate President read the President’s letter on the floor of both chambers during Tuesday’s plenary.

Reading the letter, Lawan quoted Buhari as saying that his decision to withhold assent to the bill was based on advice from the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA).

The President added that assenting to the bill may open up the electoral system to a series of court issues from party members and stakeholders.

According to Buhari, the adoption of direct primaries violates the spirit of democracy and would fuel corruption as well as encourage over monitorization.

Buhari, therefore, said he declined assent to the bill in line with section 58 (1) of the 1999 constitution.

In a related development, the Senate has said it will take a decision of the rejection of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by President Muhammdu Buhari in January 2022.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan made this known on Wednesday after presiding over a closed-door Executive session, which began at 10:36 am and ended at 11:14 am

Lawan said the Senate decided to wait till next year to respond in order to consult with the House of Representatives on the matter and to seek the input of their constituents.

On Tuesday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, had said the Green Chamber will make a decision and take a stand regarding the electoral bill when it resumes in January 2022.

He stated that the lower chamber will play its part in reforming the electoral system of the country ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Gbajabiamila added that the house will do its best to deliver a credible and enduring electoral system, saying that the wish of the people will prevail.