Conference okays diaspora voting right

The National Conference has called for the amendment of the Nigerian Constitution so that Nigerians living in abroad who are qualified by law and who are not least 18 years old can vote during elections.
The Conference’s decision on the issue was sequel to the consideration of the report of the Conference Committee on Foreign Affairs.
During the committee’s meeting, it was informed that, “millions of Nigeria living in the diaspora currently are unable to vote in the various election taking place in their home country. This because according to the provision of Section 13 (1) (C) of the Electoral Act 2006, as amended and section 77(2) and 117(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, only citizens present in Nigeria at that time of registration of voters can register to vote in any election.
“Thus, these million of Nigerians living abroad feel disenfranchised and are very desirous of exercising their voting right, which they consider a fundamental right, in election in their fatherland.”
Accordingly, the committee recommended that the provisions of Section 13(1) (C) of the Electoral Act, 2006, as amended, and Section 77 (2) and 117(20) of the constitution be amended to provide for diaspora voting right so that Nigerian citizens living abroad, who are not qualified by law and who are not least 18 years old by the time of voter registration, to vote in Nigerian elections.
The appropriate mechanism to ensure there are no abuses must also be put in place before the process takes off, the committee said.
Also, the Conference resolved that Federal Government should regularly regulate donations to Nigerian non-governmental organisations.
The Conference banned the excesses of first ladies and politicians in frivolously using the country’s diplomats abroad for unofficial purposes and distracting them from concentrating on their official duties.
In addition, the Conference accepted an amendment that the Nigerian passport should be renewed every 10 years instead of every five years.
After the conclusion of the committee’s report, the Deputy Chairman of the Conference, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, commended the committee for the job well done.