*Returns bill to National Assembly
*Senators, Reps consult on way forward
President Muhammadu Buhari may have declined assent to the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.
There was disquiet yesterday among members of the National Assembly, who were locked in series of meetings to articulate their response to the alleged denial of assent.
The President had 30 days to sign or decline assent to the bill, following its transmission to the National Assembly on Novembers 19, 2021.
Although, the one month window closed yesterday; lawyers argued that the President still has one day of grace to make up for yesterday, which was a work-free day.
A source said the Federal Attorney-General was said to have advised the President to decline assent, saying that the constitution is silent on the mode of primary that parties should adopt.
He was said to have also observed that it is wrong for the bill to prescribed one mode for the parties.
According to the source, the President accepted the advice.
President Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu confirmed yesterday that he has communicated his intention on the bill to the National Assembly.
He, however, declined to disclose the content of the memo, saying that he was not authorised to do so.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Shehu said the National Assembly would speak to Nigerians on the President’s decision at the appropriate time.
He said: “The president has communicated his intention to the National Assembly and the National Assembly will communicate the president’s decision to Nigerians in due course.”
Asked if the President’s communication was yes or no, Shehu declined response, merely urging Nigerians to be calm and that and any decision taken by the President would be the best of the country.
The Bill became controversial, following the inclusion of the direct of primary by the federal legislators.
Senators and Representatives argued that the clause was inserted in the best interest of the country.
The governors, however, differ, saying that the parties should adopt any mode of primary suitable for them.
Besides, the governors said the logistic and financial implications of monitoring the primaries will weigh down the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the agency would cope with the challenge of monitoring the party primaries.
Senators and House of Representatives members were in last minute meetings on how to marshal their response to the President’s refusal.
According to the constitution, after the expiration of 30 days that a Bill was transmitted by the National Assembly, the Bill is deemed to have been rejected, if not assented to.
