By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill into law after it was transmitted to him by the National Assembly is still generating reactions.
On Tuesday, both chambers of the parliament read a letter forwarded by Mr Buhari concerning the reasons he declined his assent to the bill.
While the House of Representatives said it would wait till it resumes next year to decide the next line of action, the Senate adjourned sitting till today.
There have been calls from different quarters urging the lawmakers to make the bill become a law by voting to veto the President but this would require two-thirds of each of the chamber to make this a reality.
The Senate President, Mr Ahmad Lawan, is considering having talks with the House of Representatives on a harmonised solution to the issue.
He said the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not permit the upper chamber to exclusively take any action on such matters in the absence of the House of Representatives, since the latter has embarked on recess.
He, however, assured that a joint position would be reached with the House after due consultation with Nigerians to determine the appropriate line of action when both chambers reconvene from the Christmas break in January.
Speaking on what transpired in the closed session, Mr Lawan said, “The Senate in a closed session deliberated on matters relevant to the workings of the Senate in particular and, the National Assembly in general.
“The Senate also in the closed session discussed how to respond to the letter from Mr. President on the electoral bill amendment.
“The Senate consequently resolved to consult with the House of Representatives in January when both the Senate and House will be in session.
“Presently, the House of Reps has gone or recess and like we all know, the constitutional provision is for the Senate and House of Representatives to jointly take the appropriate action.
“The Senate also resolved to consult with our constituents during our recess in January.
“The Senate believes that our constituents have a role to play as the major stakeholders in the laws that we make in the National Assembly.”
President Buhari had explained that he refused to sign the bill into law because of a clause, which made direct primary as the only mode of selection/election for political parties.
Adedapo Adesanya