The Nigerian polity is in huge expectations of what becomes the fate of the nation electoral process as the December 19, deadline given Mr. President, for his assent to the amended Electoral Act transmitted to him by the National Assembly draws closer.
In a letter dated November 29th, 2021 and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the president was said to have requested the INEC Chairman and the office of the Vice President, Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance and the Inspector General of Police to provide considered views on the amended Electoral bill on or before Friday December 3, 2021.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in its response said, “An accelerated assent to the Bill will facilitate the preparation of major elections such as the FCT Municipal Area Council election, Ekiti and Osun governorship election and the 2023 general elections.”
The constitution is clear on the time limit given for any submitted bill for assent by Mr. President, “Pursuant to Section 58(4) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the President has 30 days to assent to a bill presented to him by the National Assembly”.
In as much as this Newspaper, agrees that the President’s letter for comments from relevant authorities and stakeholders is democratic, we pray their submissions should be in the overriding national interest and interest of our democracy.
We, therefore urge the president not to hesitate in signing the bill on electoral reforms. The president has until December 19, to assent or decline. “It is imperative that the president should demonstrate courage and leadership to uphold and protect our democracy.
Not foot draging on the bill, would bring solution to electoral challenges bedeviling the nation.
The big issue is if the National Assembly goes on recess on December 15, they would resume in the third week of January next year.
