June 11, (THEWILL)- The Nigerian Senate has reiterated its commitment to passing into law three highly anticipated pieces of legislation: The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the Constitution Amendment Bill.
Contemporary Nigeria regards these as the “Big 3” Bills because they have been on the front-burner of past legislative generations without making headway and they would determine the rhythm of the very soul of the country’s socio-economic and socio-political destinies.
Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, said on Friday that the three Bills would be passed between now and July.
Lawan who stated this while interacting with journalists to mark the second anniversary of the Ninth Senate stated that it was a mark of excellent effort that the current Senate would soon be ready to pass the PIB after 20 years of failed attempts.
He said: “This should happen this June, and it should increase accountability, probity, efficiency, equity and justice in that vital sector of our economy.
“Our determination to pass the Bill is additionally in line with our resolve to be a result-oriented parliament, where our activities are hallmarked by quality, timeliness, and actions that are focused on the people.
“Our efforts on the Electoral Bill are also noteworthy. The Bill should not just improve the nation’s electoral governance system, but will strengthen our democracy, which we have all built since 1999.”
He explained that the 2023 general election will be the seventh in the nation’s electoral cycle since the dawn of democracy, saying that the onus is now on Nigerians to consolidate it, partly through the Bill, given the important innovations embedded in it.
Lawan promised: “We will finish work on it before our annual recess. We have a goal to deliberate on the report of the Committee on the Amendment of the 1999 Constitution in July before we proceed on our yearly recess, as well.
“Mindful of the significant place of the citizens, we recently concluded a regional tour of the country, to provide opportunities for citizens to be closely heard, and consistent with a drive to build consensus.
“We have gone far in this process and should be over with it next month. We call on Nigerians to be patient with the progression, as we strive towards compromise, in reviewing the ground-norm, for the good governance of our dear nation.”
Lawan said that in exploring the path of dialogue, and conversations, the nation should rest assured that it shall soon achieve a meaningful end.
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