The Presidency has urged those criticizing President Muhammadu Buhari for not signing yet, the amended Electoral Bill to restraint and be hopeful that the needful will be done.
Special Assistant to Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adeshina gave the advice Monday in a statement.
“Those playing cheap politics with it are, therefore, encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time”.
The Presidential aide recalled that it is on record that the amended Bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022, which means that the Executive could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the Constitution, alleging that some interest groups are only taking advantage of the moment to provoke “civil disorder and muddy the waters”.
The statement read in part: “Some interest groups are cashing in on what they consider a delay in the signing of the Electoral Bill into law by the President to foment civil disorder and muddy the waters.
“One can just pity their ignorance of Constitutional requirements, as the President has a window of 30 days within which to sign the Bill, or decline assent, after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.
“It is on record that the amended Bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022, which means that the Executive could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the Constitution.
“A proposed legislation that has to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needs to be thoroughly scrutinized, and be made as near-perfect as possible”.
Adeshina assured challenged that those playing cheap politics with the situation are encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time”