December 22, (THEWILL) – The Senate on Wednesday backed down action to override the President’s veto of the Electoral Act (Amendments) Bill 2021.
The development followed the outcome of a 37-minute closed session by the lawmakers on Wednesday. The closed session started at exactly 10:44 am and ended at 11:21 am.
President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, explained after the executive session that the upper chamber has decided to consult with members of the House of Representatives on the matter.
He said since the House had gone on recess and the constitution prescribes that both chambers should take a joint decision on the matter, it would be proper for them to wait till January before any action is taken.
Lawan also said the Senate agreed that members should consult with their constituencies who are critical stakeholders in the electoral process.
The Senate had on Tuesday, adjourned plenary till Wednesday, to enable them to override President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto of the Electoral Act (Amendments) Bill 2021.
President Buhari had on Tuesday written the Senate and the House of Representatives, withholding assent to the 2021 Electoral Act Amendment bill that was passed by the National Assembly.
The President had in the letter dated December 13, 2021, explained that his decision to withhold assent to the electoral bill was informed by advice from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government after a thorough review.
According to the president, signing the bill into law would have serious adverse legal, financial, economic and security consequences on the country, particularly in view of Nigeria’s peculiarities.
He added that it would also impact negatively on the rights of citizens to participate in the government as constitutionally ensured.
But in a reaction to the development, THEWILL had reported that Senator George Sekibo confirmed earlier on Tuesday that the lawmakers were gathering signatories to override the President’s veto of the Electoral Bill.
He had said 73 signatures have so far been compiled. But the 109-member Senate will require a two-thirds majority to veto the bill into law.
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