Edo Assembly Begins Debate On LG Elections Amendment Bill

The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday began the
consideration of a bill to regulate the conduct of local government elections
and the repeal of the 2002 state electoral law.

The Tide learnt that the bill would also seek to amend the
1999 law that established the Edo Independent Electoral Commission.

A clause- by- clause consideration of the bill in Benin led
to the adoption of 12 sections with changes and amendments.

According to the bill, the appointment of the chairman of
the commission shall be by the governor of the state along with six other members,
whose appointments must reflect the geographical spread of the state.

It also provided that the chairman and members of the
commission “shall be appointed to serve a five-year term, and is subject to
re-appointment for another five-year term.”

The law stipulates that no member of the commission shall be
a card carrying member of any political party.

Meanwhile, Mr Peter Aliyu, a member representing Etsako East
Constituency, called for the judicious use of the N100 million donated to the
flood victims by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo.