The Senate, during plenary on Wednesday has declined to invoke its constitutional powers to override the veto of President Muhammadu Buhari and sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into an act of parliament.
President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, while addressing the Senate on Wednesday said the upper chamber will instead consult with the House of Representatives on how to respond to the failure by the President to assent to the Electoral Bill.
The New Diplomat had reported Buhari, in a letter read at the two chambers said his decision to withhold his assent to the bill was hinged on the inclusion of the direct primaries clause in the bill.
Following the rejection, members of the Senate are reportedly making moves to override Buhari’s veto, with signatures of Senators backing the move already being collated.
Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, George Sekibo had said about 73 signatures have already been gathered in support of the motion to override Buhari’s Veto.
Meanwhile, Lawan said the red chamber will consult with the House of Representatives in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
The House had, however, embarked on recess on Tuesday, adjourning plenary till January 2022.
Lawan said the National Assembly will come up with a joint position shortly after they reconvene from the Christmas and New Year break.
In his words, “The Senate, in a closed session, deliberated on matters relevant to the workings of the Senate in particular and the National Assembly in general. The Senate, also in the closed session, discussed how to respond to the letter from Mr. President on the electoral bill amendment.
“The Senate consequently resolved to consult with the House of Representatives in January when both the Senate and House will be in session.
“Presently, the House of Reps has gone on recess and as we all know, the constitutional provision is for the Senate and House of Representatives to jointly take the appropriate action.
“The Senate also resolved to consult with our constituents during our recess in January. The Senate believes that our constituents have a role to play as the major stakeholders in the laws that we make in the National Assembly.”
