Bolstering Electoral Integrity: The National Electoral Offences Commission Bill Gains Momentum
House of Representatives Approves Bill for Creation of National Electoral Offenses Commission for Further Review
The House of Reps recently passed a crucial bill, paving the way for the establishment of the National Electoral Offences Commission (NEOC). This move is intended to fortify Nigeria's electoral system by addressing electoral fraud and enhancing its integrity.
As per our sources, the bill, previously stalled in the 9th assembly, has now advanced to its second reading, marking a significant milestone in the legislative process. The bill was introduced by a Lagos-based lawmaker, Adebayo Balogun, who, during the plenary session, highlighted the pressure put on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by handling electoral crimes, which he believes compromises the credibility of the nation's elections.
"Our electoral system's legitimacy continues to be eroded by various factors, such as vote-buying," Balogun stated emphatically. He underlined the necessity of an independent body distinct from INEC, to prosecute electoral offenders. "It is essential that we set up a commission exclusively in charge of dealing with electoral offenders," Balogun reiterated.
The bill received substantial support from lawmakers during the plenary session. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the bill to a voice vote, and it passed convincingly. The bill will now proceed to review and approval by a committee, followed by public hearings and senate concurrence. Once these stages are completed, the bill will be sent to President Bola Tinubu for his assent.
In the Spotlight
- The devastating impact of electoral fraud on the integrity of Nigeria's elections
- The burden and shortcomings of INEC in addressing electoral offences
- The potential benefits of creating a specialized body to combat electoral malpractices
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- The National Electoral Offences Commission Bill, passed by the House of Reps, aims to combat electoral fraud and bolster Nigeria's electoral integrity.
- The bill, advanced to its second reading, was initiated by a Lagos-based lawmaker, Adebayo Balogun, who spoke about the pressure on INEC and the need for an independent body to prosecute electoral offenders.
- Balogun emphasized that the electoral system's legitimacy is threatened by issues like vote-buying and underscored the importance of establishing a commission solely focused on dealing with electoral offenders.
- The bill received broad support during the plenary session and is now set for review, approval by a committee, public hearings, senate concurrence, and President Bola Tinubu's assent.
- Meanwhile, in other political news, the Reps summoned the governors of Benue and Zamfara over unlawful suspensions, while three members from Katsina switched allegiance from PDP to APC.
- Additionally, the Defence Minister countered concerns about terrorist drones, asserting that they have more advanced equipment than the terrorists themselves.
- In a separate issue, the Reps called for subsidies on cancer treatment and medications amid growing concerns about accessibility and affordability.
- As the political landscape continues to evolve, policy-and-legislation, general-news, and house-and-senate sectors remain under careful scrutiny to ensure unconstitutional acts are not condoned, such as the recent ruling declared as unconstitutional in the plenary session.
