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Tag: Ahmad Lawan

  • Why FG postponed fuel subsidy removal indefinitely and what it means

    Why FG postponed fuel subsidy removal indefinitely and what it means

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, says it is clear that it is not possible to remove subsidy on petroleum products due to some impediments.

    He said this during a meeting with Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Monday in Abuja over the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products by the Federal Government.

    The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, was at the meeting.

    According to Timipre, it is clear that it is not possible at this time for the government to remove the subsidy.

    “It is not within the contemplation now, of this administration, to remove subsidy, but of course, if there are legislative enablers that will ensure it is within the law, then I think it is a legislative responsibility.

    “Subsidy removal will not happen. When you pass a law, a law is not cast in stone. In implementing the law, you now arrive at some impediments to implementation.

    “We now feel we need to take care of those impediments because before subsidy is removed, there are certain things that need to be put in place to protect the people.

    “We feel we need sometime to be able to put everything in place so that when subsidy is removed, it will have minimal impact on the people,” the minister said.

    In his remarks, Lawan faulted the timing of the planned subsidy removal.

    He said that in as much as the administration and management of subsidy on petroleum products were flawed, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government believed that sufficient planning must be carried out before its eventual removal.

    He said: “The position of everyone in government today is that, admittedly, subsidy administration and management are flawed because of so many reasons.

    “Admittedly, the burden is huge and massive and there is need at one point to do away with the subsidy.

    “Even though our economy is growing, we still have the challenge of getting things to be better for our people.

    “A lot of us in this administration believe that the issue of removal of subsidy should be handled with utmost care, especially that sufficient planning needs to be done.”

    Lawan appealed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to stop their planned protest against the proposed removal of fuel subsidy.

    The senate president said the move was unnecessary.

    “I am taking this opportunity to appeal to the TUC and NLC to shelve this plan to go on strike or demonstration, it is totally unnecessary.

    “There is not going to be removal of subsidy; so, there is no need for this. Please, let’s not create unnecessary tension where there should be none,” he said.

    The Minister of Finance, Ahmed, said that the Federal Government made provisions for fuel subsidy in the 2022 Budget – from January to June.

    According to her, all payments on fuel subsidy ordinarily would cease as from July 2022.

    She said that in view of the timing which was “problematic”, the government decided not to go ahead with the removal of subsidy in July, particularly against the backdrop of outcomes from ongoing consultations.

    She added that the Federal Government was exploring alternatives to premium motor spirit as well as pushing to step up the country’s crude oil refining capacity.

    The labour unions had planned to hold a protest from Jan. 27 over the planned subsidy removal.

    What indefinite postponement of petrol subsidy removal means – Economist

    An economist, Dr Muda Yusuf, says the decision of the Federal Government to postpone the removal of petrol subsidy indefinitely has a weighty economic cost.

    Yusuf, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

    Hajia Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, had made the announcement on Monday in Abuja, speaking at the National Assembly, that the government would no longer go ahead with its earlier plans to remove subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit in July 2022.

    Reacting to the development, Yusuf noted that the capitulation on the subsidy removal did not come as a surprise because of the prevailing realities and opposition by organised labour.

    He said: “There were too many odds against the move. There were obvious concerns about the potential political cost to government and the ruling party.

    “There were worries about the social cost given the excruciating poverty in the country. There was also the waning goodwill required by government to enlist the support of the people.

    “The whole subsidy story became a political economy matter. It was moved from the realm of economics and investment to the political realm.

    “The outcome was predictable, especially with an impending general elections next year.

    “But the economic cost of the capitulation is equally weighty. The truth is that you cannot eat your cake and have it.”

    According to him, Nigerians should expect the cost of funding the subsidy to be much higher this year because of the surge in crude oil price.

    Yusuf said if the oil price remains high for most part of the year, the subsidy cost could go as high as N2.5 trillion or even more by the end of the year.

    He said: “This would surely affect funding for critical infrastructures such as roads, railways, healthcare education, and even security.

    ” The petroleum products smugglers, beneficiaries of the fiscal leakages in the fuel subsidy ecosystem and their collaborators will continue to smile to the banks for the next one and half years.”

    According to him, it will be tough for some states in terms of payment of salaries, especially states that are heavily dependent on federal allocation.

    “Many will struggle to meet their financial obligations as sub-nationals,” he said.

    Yusuf , a former Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said macroeconomic risks would become elevated as fiscal deficit and borrowing significantly surpasses projections in the 2022 budget.

    He added that the Central Bank of Nigeria may have to continue to cover financing gaps through ways and means.

    ” This of course has serious inflationary implications. The macroeconomic outcomes would adversely impact on the exchange rate, leading to further depreciation of the currency.

    “Meanwhile, prospective investors in the downstream oil sector would withhold their investments until the policy environment becomes conducive.

    “Additionally, a major confidence crisis has been created around the Petroleum Industry Act as a result of this capitulation.

    “These are the price we would have to pay as a country for the policy reversal,” Yusuf said.

  • Senate assures INEC of support as it amends Electoral Act

    Senate assures INEC of support as it amends Electoral Act

    The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has said that the Senate would accord the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) all the necessary support to deliver credible elections in 2023.

    He stated this on Wednesday, after the Senate re-amended the Electoral Act, approving direct, indirect primaries or consensus for political parties in choosing their candidates.

    Lawan said that “We will still be around to ensure that INEC receives every possible support from the National Assembly, for it to conduct the 2023 elections successfully, transparently and with integrity.

    “(And) Nigerians will all be proud of when it comes to either off-season elections or the general elections in 2023.

    “But laws alone will not be enough. We could have the best laws. If we don’t operate them properly, they may not mean much.

    “I urge practitioners, politicians and INEC, to ensure that we obey and operate the laws as provided in the Electoral Act.”

    The Senate President also congratulated the Senate and the National Assembly “for once again standing up to the occasion by passing the amendment to the Electoral Bill 2010.

    “This is one of the major pillars in our legislative agenda when we started in 2019.

    “This is one of the Bills that Nigerians particularly are so interested in, because it is a one sure way of enhancing our electoral processes and producing leaders at various levels of governance.

    “What we have done today is to respond to the observation of Mr President and we have done that very patriotically.

    “Today, as the Bill stands, there is provision for all possible options for selection of candidates from the president to the councillorship.

    “The available options we have are: the direct primaries, indirect primaries and consensus candidature.

    “What this means is that political parties are now challenged to ensure that they choose what is appropriate, what is suitable for them when it comes to the processes of producing their candidates, once this becomes law, ” he said.

  • [Trending] Watch President of Senate, Lawan lavish birthday bash despite economic crunch in Nigeria

    [Trending] Watch President of Senate, Lawan lavish birthday bash despite economic crunch in Nigeria

    A video clip has emerged online depicting a lavish birthday bash for the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan over the weekend despite the economic crunch engulfing Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the video showed a musical group on display and foreigners at the bash.

    Nigerians have reacted to the clip describing it as sign of total neglect of the downtrodden.

    Watch video:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Media/News Company (@thenewsgurung)

    Read a few of the reactions and video below:

    That’s the Senate president to the poverty capital of the world.

    Yet we’re blaming church pastors for our economic failures.

    And in the process, projecting the criminals responsible as Presidential candidates for 2023!

    The person who wrote that piece deliberately omitted the truth that the Nigerian legislators are among the highest paid in the world, in a nation known as the poverty capital of the world.

    So much misplaced priorities!

    Ironic!

    Until we are responsible enough to hold to account the forerunners of the failure called Nigeria. We will continue to roam in the market of gross failure.

  • BREAKING: Buhari requests Senate to confirm Prof. Bindawa as NCC Commissioner

    BREAKING: Buhari requests Senate to confirm Prof. Bindawa as NCC Commissioner

    President Muhamamadu Buhari has requested the Nigerian Senate to confirm Professor Mansur Auwalu Bindawa as a Non-Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Buhari’s request was contained in a letter addressed to the Senate and read by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan during resumed plenary sitting on Tuesday.

    Buhari also presented to the Senate for confirmation two members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission who have been appointed in consultation with the Council of State.

    TNG reports the two members are Ekenem Nnamson from Akwa Ibom State – South-South and Mamhud Abubakar Mogaji from Niger State – North Central.

  • BREAKING: Senate resumes plenary after Christmas break, moves into closed doors immediately

    BREAKING: Senate resumes plenary after Christmas break, moves into closed doors immediately

    The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Tuesday resumed plenary after the Christmas break and immediately moved into closed doors.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan led principal officers into the chambers and took the official prayers at about 10:45am.

    Shortly after starting the proceedings of the day, the Senate moved into the closed-door session at about 10:46am.

     

    Details shortly…

  • Senate to reduce Nigeria’s borrowing – Lawan

    Senate to reduce Nigeria’s borrowing – Lawan

    The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said that the upper chamber will work with revenue generating agencies towards reducing the level of the nation’s borrowing.

    Lawan made this known on Wednesday in Abuja, at an event to mark his 63rd birthday.

    He said that the senate would support and supervise the agencies and keep them on their toes “for us to have more revenues in order to reduce the level of borrowing.”

    “The upper chamber in the first-quarter of this year will focus on addressing the challenges of revenue generation, collection and remittance to shore up earnings by the Federal Government.

    “An improvement to the country’s revenue figures will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on external borrowings for the execution of capital projects captured in the national budget.

    “We still have a huge responsibility, and in fact, it is something that we wanted to do last year, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic we couldn’t do so.

    “This year, by the grace of God, we are going to resuscitate that plan and it is to keep and maintain focus on revenue generation, collection and remittance.

    “Our revenue to GDP ratio is very low and the economists will tell you Nigeria’s problem is not debt, but revenue.

    “So, if that is the case, it means those of us in government must focus on dealing with the challenges of revenue generation, revenue collection and remittance.

    “This year, we are going to have engagements with the revenue generating agencies such as Nigerian Ports Authourity (NPA), Customs, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and so on, on a quarterly basis, to have their targets set for them, and we want them to come and brief us on their performance every quarter.

    “We hope to start the first meeting, which is an exploratory kind of meeting with them either this month or early February.

    “We want to see how we can make positive difference in the area of revenue generation.

    “Nobody likes taking loans, borrowing or accumulating debts, whether as an individual, a family, a community or as a country.

    “But what can you do when you’re not able to generate enough? We are as concerned as anybody else about our level of borrowing, even though we have not saturated, but if we can do better why not reduce, and the best way to reduce is to get more revenues from especially independent sources.

    “The government owned enterprises are supposed to give us more money. In 2022, we are expecting maybe about a trillion, I’m not an economist, but I believe that we should be expecting maybe double or triple from them.”

    Lawan further said that the National Assembly this year, would also focus on security through oversight of funds appropriated in the budget to the armed forces and security agencies.

    He explained that doing so would guarantee transparency in the procurement process and ensure the welfare of military and security personnel tasked with restoring security across the country.

    “Today, the security situation still begs for more attention. We will give a lot of attention to the security situation.

    “We have appropriated about a trillion naira for our security agencies and armed forces, now it is for members of the National Assembly to ensure that the procurement process by the armed forces are transparent and everybody there is accountable.

    “Of course, we should do oversight as much as possible for the welfare of our soldiers and security personnel. They need to continuously be motivated,” he said.

  • Senate President, Lawan reels out agenda for 2022

    Senate President, Lawan reels out agenda for 2022

    President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan has said the electoral act amendment bill and review of the 1999 constitution will be topmost on the agenda of the National Assembly (NASS) in 2022.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Lawan made this known on Friday in his New Year message to Nigerians, saying as soon as the NASS reconvened for legislative business in the new year, the Senate will spring into action.

    Lawan stated that it was the same spirit of patriotism that the NASS handled the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to breaking the jinx, it is dealing with the electoral act amendment bill.

    He stressed that following the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to withhold assent to the bill, the NASS will make further consultations on the issues he raised upon resumption of plenary in January.

    Lawan’s New Year message reads: “I congratulate fellow Nigerians everywhere as we cross over from 2021 into a happy and prosperous 2022.

    “I join you in thanking the Almighty God for His mercy that made the crossover possible for us as individuals and as a nation.

    “The Year 2021 was challenging for people all over the world. It is praiseworthy that beyond the challenges, we can see the rays of a bright future from the new year.

    “As your elected representatives, our new year pledge is to continue to pursue our common desire of a just, peaceful and prosperous country. We promise to continue to discharge this responsibility without fear or malice, confident that by working in harmony, Nigerians will build the great country that is their abiding dream and manifest destiny.

    “Without a doubt, insecurity is today one of our biggest challenges. However, I can attest that the government is resolutely addressing these challenges.

    “As a critical contribution to that effort, the National Assembly has appropriated more funds in the 2022 budget to enhance the operational capabilities of our security agencies.

    “My message to fellow Nigerians is that we should not lose faith in our country and its democratic institutions. The current challenges will be overcome and become mere footnotes in our glorious national history.

    “The ninth National Assembly is focused and will never be distracted from the implementation of its Legislative Agenda as we had spelt out following our inauguration in 2019.

    “Within the context of that Agenda, we have passed many critical bills and have many more to roll out in the new year.

    “At the beginning of 2021, we made specific promises to the Nigerian people with respect to our legislative focus. We are proud that we have kept those promises.

    “For instance, breaking the jinx of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which had defied passage for about two decades, was high on our agenda in 2021. With the cooperation of the Executive and the support of the key stakeholders, we were able to break the jinx. We passed the bill and got it signed into law in 2021.

    “This piece of legislation will significantly impact the Nigerian economy and propel a significant turn around in our oil and gas sector.

    “It was with the same spirit of patriotism that we handled the Electoral Act amendment bill. We believe that sustainable democratic governance requires a transparent and credible electoral process.

    “Following the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to withhold assent to the bill, we shall make further consultations on the issues he stated for that decision, on our resumption of plenary in January.

    “We shall find a way forward on this critical legislation in the new year. We are determined to deliver an Electoral Act that stands the test of time in safeguarding democracy and the electoral process in Nigeria.

    “We are also looking forward to receiving the report of our Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution upon our resumption from recess. We believe that the outcome of this very important exercise will promote unity, stability and peaceful coexistence in our country.

    “The Electoral Act amendment bill and review of the 1999 constitution will be topmost on our agenda as we reconvene for Legislative business in the new year.

    “Upon our inauguration in 2019, the ninth National Assembly had promised to reset the national budget calendar to January to December cycle, to make our fiscal system predictable and consistent with international best practice.

    “We have since 2019 passed the national yearly budget every December to enable the President sign it into law before the new year. In consistent with this, on Friday 31st December, 2021, we witnessed the signing into law by the President, the 2022 Appropriation Bill.

    “Timely passage of the budget enhances the performance of the economy and has specifically aided our recent quick recovery from recession. We are determined to sustain this trajectory to act as an impetus to our economic planning and projection.

    “The much that we have been able to accomplish this far can be attributed to the commitment and dedication of my fellow Distinguished colleagues and Honourable members and the prevailing atmosphere of cordiality between the National Assembly and the Executive. We intend to sustain and even improve on this in the new year and beyond.

    “I appeal for continued understanding and support of all Nigerians for the government at all levels. As your legislators at the federal level, we will continue in the true spirit of our mantra to “work for Nigeria.”

    “Once again, I wish us all a happy, prosperous and peaceful 2022”.

  • Electoral Act Amendment Bill: Lawan opens up on what Senate will do next

    Electoral Act Amendment Bill: Lawan opens up on what Senate will do next

    President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan has opened up on what the Senate will do next after President Muhammadu Buhari refused to give assent to the electoral act amendment bill.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Lawan as saying the Senate will consult with the House of Representatives on how to respond to President Buhari’s letter on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

    Lawan made this known after the upper chamber rose from a closed session to deliberate on the President’s decision to withhold assent to the electoral bill passed by the National Assembly.

    According to the Senate President, the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not permit the upper chamber to exclusively take any action on such matters in the absence of the House of Representatives, since the latter has embarked on recess.

    He, however, assured that a joint position would be reached with the House after due consultation with Nigerians to determine the appropriate line of action when both chambers reconvene from the Christmas break in January.

    Speaking on what transpired in the closed session, Lawan said: “Senate in a closed session deliberated on matters relevant to the workings of the Senate in particular and the National Assembly in general.

    “The Senate also in the closed session discussed how to respond to the letter from Mr. President on the electoral bill amendment.

    “The Senate consequently resolved to consult with the House of Representatives in January when both the Senate and House will be in session.

    “Presently, the House of Reps has gone or recess and like we all know, the constitutional provision is for the Senate and House of Representatives to jointly take the appropriate action.

    “The Senate also resolved to consult with our constituents during our recess in January.

    “The Senate believes that our constituents have a role to play as the major stakeholders in the laws that we make in the National Assembly.”

    Buhari in the letter dated Dec 13, had explained that his decision to withhold assent to the electoral bill was informed by advice from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government after a thorough review.

    According to Buhari, signing the bill into law would have serious adverse legal, financial, economic and security consequences on the country, particularly in view of Nigeria’s peculiarities.

    He had added that it would also impact negatively on the rights of citizens to participate in the government as constitutionally ensured.

  • Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Saraki mourn Wayas

    Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Saraki mourn Wayas

    The trio of Ahmad Lawan, Nigeria’s Senate president; Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have expressed sadness over the death of Dr Joseph Wayas, a former president of the Nigerian Senate.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lawan, Gbajabiamila and Saraki expressed sadness over the passing of Wayas in separate statements released on Thursday.

    The President of the Senate, Lawan sent his condolences to the family of Wayas, who died on Thursday. He commiserated with the family of Senator Wayas, the Government and People of Cross River State, friends and political associates of the late elder statesman.

    He described the death of Senator Wayas as a great loss for Nigeria.

    “Senator Joseph Wayas was a great lawmaker and political leader who served his country and people with dedication and integrity.

    “As the Senate President in the Second Republic, Senator Wayas led the upper chamber with competence and passion. He was a great symbol of his political era.

    “Senator Wayas continued to contribute to nation-building, democracy and socio-economic development of Nigeria even after he left public office in 1983.

    “He played a significant role as Deputy Chairman of the 1994-95 National Constitutional Conference and took part in many other national assignments.

    “Nigeria will sorely miss his wealth of experience,” Lawan said

    The Senate President prayed to God to grant Senator Wayas’ gentle soul a sweet repose and to his loved ones the fortitude to bear his loss.

    Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila expressed sadness over the demise of Wayas, who served as the third President of the Senate from 1979 to 1983.

    Gbajabiamila, while condoling the government and people of Cross River State over the loss of the elder statesman, noted that his contributions to the deepening of democracy in the country can not be overemphasized.

    While praying for the repose of the soul of the elder statesman, the Speaker enjoined the family, friends and the people of Cross River State to take solace in the fact that the ex-President of the Senate, a founding member of the defunct All People’s Party (APP), contributed his part to the political development of Nigeria.

    On his part, Saraki noted that Wayas was President of the Senate while his father, Dr. Olusola Saraki served as Senate Leader between 1979 and 1983.

    He recalled how Wayas used to visit their home when he was much younger, revealing that he consulted with the late Wayas regularly on issues relating to the running of the Senate when he was Senate president.

    “My prayers are with the Wayas family over the passing of Dr. Joseph Wayas, who was the President of the Senate while my father, Dr. Olusola Saraki, served as Senate Leader between 1979 and 1983.

    “I remember when I was younger, whenever Oloye used to visit Dr. Wayas, or Dr. Wayas came to our home on visits, he always had a knack for wanting to ensure that everyone was carried along in the solutions to the problems of the day.

    “During my time as Senate President, knowing fully well how closely he and my father worked, based on his experience, I consulted with him regularly on issues relating to the running of the Senate. He was a guest at a few of our anniversary events in the 8th Senate.

    “This is why, today, as we mourn the passing of this great statesman, experienced legislator, and people-centered politician, I thank Almighty God and his family for sharing him with us. I also commiserate with the people of Cross River State over Dr. Wayas’s demise, and pray for strength for his family, friends, political associates, and supporters,” Saraki stated.

    TNG reports Wayas died in a London hospital on Thursday, aged 80.

  • Electoral Act: How Senate reversed itself on e-voting, e-transmission of results

    Electoral Act: How Senate reversed itself on e-voting, e-transmission of results

    The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday rescinded its position on clause for electronic voting and electronic transmission of election results, which empowered Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) to determine suitability of transmission of results, subject to approval of the National Assembly (NASS).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Senate’s decision followed consideration and approval of motion moved by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi on “Re-Commital of Some Clauses of the Electoral Act repeal and Re-enactment Bill 2021” at plenary on Tuesday.

    Recall that the Senate had on July 15, amended clause 52(3) of the bill to empower NCC to determine suitability of the network for transmission of results electronically with the approval of the National Assembly.

    Clause 52(,3) of the draft bill had originally prescribed that INEC shall determine voting at election and transmission of results, which may include electronic voting .

    The clause was, however, amended to empower NCC to determine suitability of the network for electronic election processes with approval of the National Assembly.

    The Senate’s decision had afterwards generated unpleasant debates among Nigerians and civil society groups.

    Most Nigerians had questioned the decision, saying that it was meant to undermine and erode the constitutional powers of INEC to conduct elections in Nigeria.

    Presenting the motion for re-commital of some of clauses on Electoral Act repeal and re-enactment bill 2021, Sen Abdullahi said after critical examination of the bill by the Senate Committee on INEC, noted that there were some fundamental issues which required fresh legislative action on some clauses.

    The clauses according to Abubakar are 43, 52, 63, and 87.

    He said there was a need to address the observation by the committee and make necessary amendments based on order 1 (b) and 53(6) of the Senate standing order.

    “Senate accordingly rescinds it’s decision on the affected clauses of the bill as passed and re-commit same to the committee of the whole for consideration and passage ,” Abubakar said.

    Contributing, Sen.Adamu Alero (APC-Kebbi),who seconded the motion said the motion would strengthen the electoral process and give Nigerians more power to select their desired leaders.

    He said the motion, if adopted would help the electorate to ensure that questionable characters are not elected in governance.

    According to Alero, the motion would discourage money bags from taking over and determine the outcome of elections in the country.

    However, Sen. Smart Adeyemi (APC-Kogi) was against the amendment of clause 87 to introduce direct primary election.

    The clause had earlier prescribed for political parties to decide to conduct direct or indirect primary elections.

    Adeyemi, however, said motion to amend the clause to introduce direct primaries would make the electoral process burdensome to the people.

    Other Senators, who also supported the motion for amendment includes Senators Opeyemi Bamidela (APC-Ekiti) Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP-Abia)Abdulfatai Buhari (APC-Oyo).

    Senate after a voice vote amended the clause 52 to now empower INEC to determine mode of voting and transmission of results.

    Other clauses that Senate rescinded its decision was on clauses 43, ,63, and 87.which borders on mode of conduct of primary elections by political parties, ballot boxes and voting devices

    President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan in his remarks, urged members of the Senate conference committee to take into consideration, the debates of senators during harmonisation of the bill with the House of Representatives Conference Committee.

    See clauses of the Electoral Bill, 2021, considered and passed by the Senate:

    a. Clause 43 dealing with Ballot boxes and Voting Devices.

    – Insertion of the word ” Electronic Voting Machine” in subsections (1) and (3).

    b. Clause 52 dealing with Conduct of Poll by Open Secret Ballot.

    – Amendment to subsection (2) by substituting with a new subsection which reads “Subject to section 63 of this Bill, voting at an election and transmission of results under this Bill shall be in accordance with the procedure determined by the Commission”; and also the deletion of subsection 3.

    c. Clause 63 which deals with Counting of Votes and Forms.

    – Amendment to subsection (5) by deleting the word “transmit” and replacing with “transfer”.

    d. Clause 87 which dealing with Nomination of Candidates by Parties.

    – Amendment to subsection (1) by substituting with a new subsection which reads ” A Political party seeking to nominate candidates for elections under this Bill shall hold direct primaries for aspirants to all elective positions, which shall be monitored by the Commission”.

    – Insertion of new subsection (3) which reads “The procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for the various elective positions by direct primaries shall ensure that all aspirants are given equal opportunities of being voted for by members of the party and given opportunity to have agents for the purpose of monitoring the primaries”.

    – Insertion of new subsection (4) which reads” The procedure adopted for the direct primaries shall be spelt out in a guideline to be issued by the political party and filed with the Commission at least 14days before the primary election”.

    – Insertion of new subsection (5) which reads ” A political party shall maintain register of its members and provide in the guideline for the conduct of the primaries that the register of its members shall be used for accreditation for the primaries”.

    – Insertion of a new subsection (6) which reads” The Commission shall deploy personnel to monitor the primaries in all the centers where the direct primaries are held”.

    – Insertion of a new subsection (7) which reads ” Every aspirants cleared by the party to contest at the primary shall be entitled to a copy of the guideline not later than 14days before the conduct of the primaries”.

    – Amendment to subsection (8) by deleting “High Court of a State of FCT”