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‘Why Buhari Has Not Assented To Electoral Bill’

Published

4 years ago

February 11, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has not assented to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021 because he is still consulting with the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami and other stakeholders, his Senior Special Assistant National Assembly Matters (Senate), Sen. Babajide Omoworare, has said.
Omoworare, who spoke yesterday in Abuja during a discussion organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in collaboration with Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), however, said the President is desirous of assenting the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The policy dialogue centred on “Electoral Bill 2021 and Quest for Presidential Assent: Matters Arising”.
The National Assembly had on Monday, January 31, transmitted the reworked Bill to the president for assent.
Omoworare said that consultations were ongoing by the president, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and other stakeholders to assent the bill.
“I have it in good authority that the attorney-general is deliberating with him at the moment and it is not just the attorney-general.
“For every bill that comes to the president, he consults before deciding to assent or withholding his assent with reasons in furtherance of the provision of the Constitution.
“We are aware that in spite of the fact that the president needs 30 days under Section 58 to sign, the president is desirous of signing it,” he said.
Also speaking, former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega said that a good law was necessary for electoral integrity.
“We were in an unfortunate situation where a tendency had begun to develop, where both the Executive and Legislature did not see the necessity of urgent improvement in the electoral legal framework so that we can keep up upscaling the integrity our election.
“Luckily now, we have a good law arising from the reform process which commenced after the 2019 election.”
Jega, who said that though it was unfortunate that it had taken this long to amend the bill, noted that the legal framework was now perhaps “the best electoral law in our history.
“It will certainly add tremendous value to the integrity of our elections henceforth when it is signed.”
Similarly, Executive Director, YIAGA Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, said that it was inconsiderable for Nigeria to go into another round of election with the current Electoral Law.
“This Bill contains very remarkable proposed amendment. Since 2010, this is perhaps one of the best piece of electoral legislation in our country. We hope the president will assent to this.
“We just hope that the amount of time that the president used to communicate his decision in December won’t be the same case; and he assured us. And importantly, because we are in a national election emergency.
“If INEC needs to issue notice of election 360 days to the day of election, so by next week Friday, I think INEC should be issuing notice of election.
“If the Bill is not assented to, it is going to impact on the timelines for election,” Itodo said.
The Director-General,National Institute for Legislative Studies, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said that it had become increasingly clear that the 2010 Electoral Act (as Amended) had outlived its importance.
“Hence, the need to complete the process of the 2021 Electoral Bill, awaiting presidential assent.”
Sulaiman said that as INEC prepares for the Ekiti and Ondo Governorship Elections and the 2023 General Election, it cannot do so in the uncertainty of whether a new legal framework will come into effect or not.
“Any delay in enacting the bill into law will directly make it difficult on the part of INEC’s preparation for the elections.”
He, however, said that indeed, the Bill had the potential of increasing the transparency, legitimacy and the confidence of the electorate in the country’s leadership recruitment process and democracy.
On his part, Chief Technical Adviser to INEC Chairman, Prof. Bolade Eyinla said that amending the bill “is a contentious issue.
“The applicability of a law is dependent on when it is signed, and when it is supposed to apply. For us in INEC, we will continue to plan our election based on Extant Laws and Regulations. If anyone is signed and it is applicable, this will be used,” Eyinla said.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Olatunde Amos had transmitted the authenticated copies of the Electoral Bill 2022 to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on January 31.
This was done in accordance with the provisions of Section 58 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Acts Authentication Act Cap. A2 LFN 2004.
Buhari declined assent to the Electoral Bill 2021 transmitted to him on November 19, 2021.
The electoral bill was thereafter reworked by the National Assembly and both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the same on January 25.

News

Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

News

Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

News

Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol