- Following President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, the Senate has split into two camps
- Both camps have begun collating signatures to override or support the president; and so far, the anti-Buhari camp has more signatures
- A pro-Buhari senator who spoke on the condition of anonymity disclosed that the voting pattern of the override would be made public
Two groups in the Senate have begun collating signatures, following President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, Daily Trust reports.
The pro-Buhari camp is reportedly being led by Senator Abdullahi Adamu (APC-Nasarawa), while Senator Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi) is said to be collating for the camp against the camp against the president’s action.
BizWatchNigeria learnt that the pro-Buhari camp has gathered 43 signatures, while the anti-Buhari camp has 65. While confirming that he had pitched his tent with the pro-Buhari camp, a lawmaker from the north-east however acknowledged that those in the opposing camp had more signatures.
A senator in the Melaye’s camp stated that they had gone very far in their mission to override the president. He stated: “It’s a mission accomplished because we have gone far on the project.
Forget about their claim; they are very few and you know it is a game of numbers, not a game of propaganda.
“We have gotten more persons from their camp.
We are just waiting for the day.” Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a pro-Buhari senator disclosed that the voting pattern of the override would be made public.
He said: “You know we are here representing our constituents but it is very unfortunate that many of our colleagues have abandoned those who sent them here for Saraki.
“Since voting would be done electronically, the result would be part of our votes and proceedings of the following day, we will make it available to the public.”
Senator Ahmad Lawan threw his weight behind the president but left the door open for a change of heart.
He stated: “I don’t believe in that amendment, I voted against it, I will vote against it tomorrow; but it is left for me to talk to my colleagues to see it the way I see it or if you want me to abandon my position, talk to me and that is how our democracy will develop.
The recent move by legislators to override President Muhammadu Buhari on the amendment to the 2010 Electoral Act led to a simmering disagreement between Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara.
Sources reportedly disclosed that Dogara’s decision to allow the House resolve to re-visit the bill did not go down well with Saraki, who allegedly wants an override.
While the Senate resolved to write to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, over the ruling by a High Court, restraining the National Assembly from further action on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, the House already agreed with the president on two of his three reasons for withholding assent to the bill.
Source: Naij
