
The House of Representatives at the plenary Tuesday passed through second reading a Bill seeking to alter the provisions of the constitution of tgmhe Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended to vest the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the power to conduct local government area council elections.
The proposed legislation sponsored by
Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and 26 others was presented for second reading by the House leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere.
The bills draft states, “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999(As Amended) (in this Act referred to as lithe Principal Act”) is altered as set out cen in this Act. Section 197 of the Principal Actis altered by deleting subsection (1)(b) and renumbering accordingly. Section 201 (2) of the Principal Act is altered by deleting the words lithe State Independent Electoral Commission” from this subsection and from any part of this Constitution where it appears. Section 202 of the Principal Act is altered by deleting the words the State Independent Electoral Commission” from this subsection and from any part of this Constitution where it appears. Part II of the Third Schedule to the Principal Act is altered by deleting Item “B” which provides for State Independent Electoral Commissions.”
When put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu who presided over the session, it was passed as majority of lawmakers voted in support.