Izuchukwu Okosi
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The Senate will liase with the House of Representatives on the best possible response to President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan made this disclosure during a closed session of the Upper Chamber on Tuesday and informed that it becomes pertinent as the Senate cannot take far reaching actions as regards the President’s decision to withhold assent to the electoral bill passed by the National Assembly.
The House of Representatives are currently on recess and will not resume sitting until January 2022 after the festive season.
“The Senate in a closed session deliberated on matters relevant to the workings of the Senate in particular and, the National Assembly in general,” Lawan told newsmen.
“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 leader highlighted the importance of constituents in the grand scheme of things and stated that the Senate will consult with them during their recess in January.
“The Senate also resolved to consult with our constituents during our recess in January,” Lawan quipped.
“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.”
President Buhari in the letter dated December 13, 2021, 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 the President, 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 added that it would also impact negatively on the rights of citizens to participate in the government as constitutionally ensured.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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