The Home of Representatives has referred to as on the Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) to right away conduct bye-elections for all vacant positions within the Nationwide and State Homes of Meeting.
The decision got here after the adoption of a movement by Jafaru Leko (APC, Bauchi) throughout plenary on Tuesday, February 18.
In presenting the movement, Leko highlighted INEC’s function as the only physique chargeable for conducting elections for federal, state, and Space Councils within the Federal Capital Territory.
He additionally referred to Sections 47 and 90 of the Structure, which define the institution of the Nationwide Meeting and state Homes of Meeting, guaranteeing the residents’ proper to be represented in these legislative our bodies.
Leko identified that for the reason that 2023 common elections, a number of vacancies have arisen in each the Nationwide and State Assemblies attributable to resignations, deaths, and the appointments of former members to government positions.
He expressed concern that the continued vacancies violate the regulation, as Nigeria operates below a constitutional democracy.
The lawmaker additional emphasised that the delay in conducting bye-elections disenfranchises residents who deserve correct illustration.
He famous that this delay constitutes a breach of constitutional provisions, a violation of due course of, and a denial of ample illustration for the affected constituencies.
Leko additionally raised issues that the absence of full legislative participation attributable to vacant seats hampers legislative actions, obstructing committee work and plenary periods.
In response, the Home referred to as on INEC management to offer an evidence for the delay and description the measures taken to resolve the problem.
The movement was unanimously adopted by the Home, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, by way of a voice vote.
Following the adoption, Speaker Abbas directed the Home Committee on Electoral Issues to analyze INEC’s inaction and guarantee compliance with the decision inside 4 weeks.
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