Breaking: Senate rejects Buhari’s proposed amendment of Electoral Act

Senate on Wednesday rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for the amendment of Electoral Act.

Buhari had last week requested for the amendment of section 84 (12) which will empower political appointees to vote.

However, when the bill was presented for consideration on the floor of the Senate by Senate leader, Abdullahi Yahaya , many senators kicked the Amendment.

Senator Adamu Aliero cited Order 52(5) to stop the Senate from treating the Bill pending the time that the Court set aside the order on the Bill.

But Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, kicked against the point of order.

However, several lawmakers rejected the Amendment of the section of the Electoral Act when it was opened for debate like Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Smart Adeyemi and others.

Speaking in favour of the bill, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege said, “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right. Mr. President, following our elections, we were sworn into office. On being sworn into office, we swore to protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Mr. President, that 1999 Constitution was put together by the best brains, 50 of them were nominated to put together this constitution.

“The framers of this Constitution knew that a day like this would come and notwithstanding, they clearly stipulated in the Constitution, those provisions dealing with qualification and disqualification.

“I therefore rise to support that the motion as moved by the Senate Leader be allowed to go for Second Reading.”