The House of Representatives on Wednesday said it was committed to amending relevant sections of the 2010 Electoral Act to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were not disenfranchised in February elections.
Victor Ogene (Anambra-APGA), the Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said this at a news conference in Abuja.
Ogene expressed dismay that eligible voters who were challenged by insecurity, particularly in the North Eastern part of the country may have difficulties to vote.
He then stressed the need to amend the Electoral Act, noting that it was among top issues discussed during house plenary session.
''One of highlights of which is to ensure that IDPs who are bonafide Nigerians are not disenfranchised, despite the security situation which has taken them out of their primary abode.
''We are desirous as a house to fast track the amendment so that they will have the opportunity to participate like other compatriots in choosing who their leaders will be,’’ the lawmaker said.
The committee chairman added that a conference committee was set up to harmonise with the senate version of the amendment to the electoral act.
He said ''and should the need arise, we will, as a house, hasten to recall members to pass any amendment arising from the conference committee.’’
Ogene also said that the amendment of the electoral act would not amount to waste of time, considering the short time before the 2015 elections.
He noted that ''if in the event we do not capture IDPs for the forthcoming general elections, that does not mean that there might not be situations in future where we will have to cater for their interest in a general or particular election cycle.
''If we did capture the interest of IDPs previously, I am sure this issue will not have risen so it is not a time wasting venture. The house has the will and determination to put through that amendment.
''The law making process can be slow, but at the same time there are critical issues that are germane to everybody within the society.
''And this is one such issue that I don't think anybody will be willing to put hurdle for any Nigerian to exercise his franchise.
''So, whichever way it works, I think it will be a worthwhile venture," Ogene added.
Source - nigerianbulletin
Victor Ogene (Anambra-APGA), the Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said this at a news conference in Abuja.
Ogene expressed dismay that eligible voters who were challenged by insecurity, particularly in the North Eastern part of the country may have difficulties to vote.
He then stressed the need to amend the Electoral Act, noting that it was among top issues discussed during house plenary session.
''One of highlights of which is to ensure that IDPs who are bonafide Nigerians are not disenfranchised, despite the security situation which has taken them out of their primary abode.
''We are desirous as a house to fast track the amendment so that they will have the opportunity to participate like other compatriots in choosing who their leaders will be,’’ the lawmaker said.
The committee chairman added that a conference committee was set up to harmonise with the senate version of the amendment to the electoral act.
He said ''and should the need arise, we will, as a house, hasten to recall members to pass any amendment arising from the conference committee.’’
Ogene also said that the amendment of the electoral act would not amount to waste of time, considering the short time before the 2015 elections.
He noted that ''if in the event we do not capture IDPs for the forthcoming general elections, that does not mean that there might not be situations in future where we will have to cater for their interest in a general or particular election cycle.
''If we did capture the interest of IDPs previously, I am sure this issue will not have risen so it is not a time wasting venture. The house has the will and determination to put through that amendment.
''The law making process can be slow, but at the same time there are critical issues that are germane to everybody within the society.
''And this is one such issue that I don't think anybody will be willing to put hurdle for any Nigerian to exercise his franchise.
''So, whichever way it works, I think it will be a worthwhile venture," Ogene added.
Source - nigerianbulletin
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