JUST IN: Femi Adesina Breaks Silence On Calls For Buhari To Sign Electoral Bill | DETAILS

JUST IN: Femi Adesina Breaks Silence On Calls For Buhari To Sign Electoral Bill | DETAILS

Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, has tackled those calling on his principal to immediately sign the Electoral Act bill (as amended).
Buhari had in December 2021, asked the National Assembly to remove clause 84 from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill which supports direct primaries.
The National Assembly heed to the President’s request, amended the bill and transmitted it to the President for assent On January 31 2022.
However, the president has failed to assent to the bill, causing uproar from Nigerians including Civil Society Groups.
Reacting in an article titled; ASSENT TO ELECTORAL BILL: NO NEED FOR SABER RATTLING” Adesina on Monday, February 21, wrote;
Some interest groups are cashing in on what they consider a delay in the signing of the Electoral Bill into law by the President to foment civil disorder and muddy the waters.
One can just pity their ignorance of Constitutional requirements, as the President has a window of 30 days within which to sign the Bill, or decline assent, after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.
It is on record that the amended Bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022, which means that the Executive could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the Constitution.
A proposed legislation that has to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needs to be thoroughly scrutinized, and be made as near-perfect as possible.
Those playing cheap politics with it are, therefore, encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)