Finally, MPs Pass Amended Constitution

ABUJA, April 27, (THEWILL) - The House of Representatives has ended voting on the review of the 1999 constitution with members differing with their colleagues in the Senate on a number of issues.

With the differences, the two chambers are expected to meet at a Conference Committee to harmonize their positions after which the amended constitution will be transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly for approval.

24 out of the 36 states of the federation are expected to favour the amendment before it can pass.

A total of 40 out of the 44 items slated for amendment passed in the House.

However a look at the amendments passed by the House indicates that the lower chamber differed with the Senate on a number of key issues including the use of indictment by a Commission of Enquiry or Special Tribunals by States or Federal Government to disqualify candidates from contesting elections and cross carpeting by elected officials.

While the Senate had outlawed the use of indictment by such commissions to disqualify candidates, majority of lawmakers at the lower House voted in favour of it.

The House also differed from the Senate by voting against cross carpeting of elected officials from one political party to another though the Senate had earlier voted in favour of such political movement.

Members rejected explanations by Speaker Dimeji Bankole and Deputy Speaker Usman Nafada on the implication of the use of such indictment to disqualify candidates and refused to heed to their advice that another vote be taken on the matter.

Curiously the lawmakers insisted on their position though it is obvious that some state governors use such indictments to stop political opponents including those contesting for National Assembly positions.

The House in agreement with the Senate passed the amendment of sections 145 and 190 of the Constitution, to make mandatory for the President or a State Governor to transmit a letter to the National Assembly or the State Assembly as the case may be to empower the Vice President or the Deputy Governor to take over as Acting President or Acting Governor whenever the Chief Executive is proceeding on vacation or is unable to perform his functions.

Whereas the existing provision makes it discretionary for the President or the Governor to transmit such letter, the amended sections make such compulsory.

The amended section also empowers the National Assembly or the State Assembly as the case may be to within 21 days confirm the Vice President or the Deputy Governor as Acting President or Deputy Governor if the President or Governor fails to transmit a letter to the legislature.