House Of Representatives In Rowdy Session Over Electoral Act
There were fireworks as Nigeria’s house of representatives resumed debate on the general principles of the Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act 2010.
The bone of contention, as reported by AIT was whether the sole prerogative lies with the president to deploy security officers during elections.
The bill in question seeks to amend the electoral act in order to improve grey areas and provide equal opportunities for all participants in the electoral process. The minority whip, Samson Osagie, fired the first shot.
“Election is a civil duty, it’s not a military responsibility and I believe that we should not militarise the atmosphere and environment for elections,” he said.
Leo Ogor, Deputy Leader, said, “You have seen a scenario whereby some people even in the process of elections confront people with guns and other ammunitions.”
There was a fierce exchange between the house deputy leader, Leo Ogor who cited the Armed Forces Act Section 8 and the minority leader, Femi Gbajabiamila who based his assertion on Section 218, Subsection 4 of the constitution.
Honourable Ogor, said, “It is important for us to acknowledge that the operational use of the armed forces is in prerogative of the president. It states very clearly there in the constitution, there is nothing anybody can do about it.”
Honourable Gbajabiamila, said, “Section 218 subsection 4 makes that prerogative for the operational use of the armed forces subject to the laws passed by this house.”
The presiding officer had to solicit the help of the chairman, Rules and Business Committee, Sam Tsokwa to guide the house.
Tsokwa, said, “The constitution says, the powers conferred on the president shall be regulated by an Act of the national assembly. Now the Armed Forces Act says, operational use of the armed forces.
So that power conferred on the president has already been regulated by the Armed Forces Act itself.”
Despite not making any headway in the matter, the house resolved that the committee should determine what is right when the bill gets to them.
The house also passed the motion endorsing the institutionalization of the African Legislative Forum. Meanwhile, the issue of the minority crisis was raised but stepped down.
