ADVERTISEMENT

Senate says 2019 polls in danger without RECs

The Nigerian Senate has said there are signs that the 2019 general elections will be faulted without Resident Electoral Commissioners.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu at the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 27, 2016,

This followed a motion by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and supported by the Senate Leader Ali Ndume.

Ekweremadu expressed concerns that the rate of inconclusive elections in many states showed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was endangering the nation’s democracy.

He alleged that at least 20 states had no REC, adding that the development was contrary to the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The developments after a few electoral exercises carried out so far by our electoral umpire have left much to be desired.

“We are worried about the fate of the 2019 general elections in the face of the present state of inconclusive elections and postponements.

“We are worried that the trend of inconclusive elections and whimsical postponement of elections are wrong signals and symptoms that cannot just be dismissed with the wave of hands,’’ he said.

Ndume, on his part, said the lawmakers would be failing if they saw something wrong and failed to point it out.

“It is better to take wrong decisions than not to take any decision at all,’’ he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Deputy Senate Leader Bala Na’Allah said it was unfair that certain sections of Nigeria were not being represented in the National Assembly, saying it is contrary to the constitution.

Also contributing, Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe declared that elections conducted so far by INEC were illegitimate as more than one-third of the INEC commissioners were yet to be appointed.

Adopting the prayers of the motion, the Senate called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately nominate suitably qualified persons to fill the vacant positions in INEC.

The Senate also called for the enhancement of the capacity of the electoral commission to conduct conclusive elections.

It further called on INEC to immediately conclude all pending elections.

ADVERTISEMENT

It also mandated the Senate committee on INEC to hold a public hearing to review the performance of the commission in the last one year.

The public hearing, according to the red chamber, is to ascertain factors responsible for the challenges in the electoral system as witnessed.

INEC was further directed to conclude the delineation of additional constituencies across the country.

The decision of the Senate is expected to be forwarded to the president for compliance.

In his ruling, Senate President Bukola Saraki urged INEC to conclude elections in the affected constituencies and ensure the vacant positions were filled.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT