…Says NASS ‘ll resolve Electoral Act issue
As the year 2022 rolls in, the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has called on Nigerians to show more commitment to nation-building for a more prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.
Omo-Agege, who gave this charge in his New Year message, signed by Mr Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, also tasked Nigerians to shun all forms of vices even as he harped on the need for unity and harmony among all.
He expressed optimism over the New Year, assuring that the challenges that bedevilled the past year shall not be the experienced in 2022. According to him, 2022 promises to be a year of recovery.
Omo-Agege used the occasion to further charge Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to Covid-19 protocols even as the Omicron variant continues to spread, adding that taking the vaccine and abiding by the safety guidelines were the only way to stay safe.
On the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which President Muhammadu Buhari declined to accent to, Omo-Agege assured Nigerians that legislators would consult widely with their constituents before the National Assembly resumes on January 18, 2022.
He said: “Stakeholders agree that the 2010 Electoral Act is no longer in tune with current realities, hence the need for new legal framework for our elections.
“Consultations with our constituents will start immediately after the New Year festivities to feel their pulse on the President’s decision to decline assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and chart a way forward.
“We assure Nigerians that within the first week of resumption, we will come up with a workable solution to resolve the impasse.
“We can’t throw away the baby with the bath water. Without a doubt, the amended bill has so many innovations that would improve our electoral fortunes in line with best democratic practices globally.”
On the Review of the 1999 Constitution, he said: “We will have the constitution alteration bills voted on upon resumption.”
