Reps Reject Constitutional Amendment Bills on INEC Powers, Zoning, Judiciary Reforms
The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted against a series of constitutional amendment bills, including one that sought to remove the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register and regulate political parties.
The bill, co-sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Francis Waive, proposed transferring INEC’s regulatory powers to a new Office of the Registrar-General of Political Parties. However, the proposal failed to pass second reading, following a voice vote conducted by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session.
Another high-profile bill rejected was sponsored by Deputy Speaker Kalu. It sought to amend the 1999 Constitution to mandate rotational presidency and vice presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West.
Several other constitution amendment bills also failed to advance, including:
HB. 2288, sponsored by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, which aimed to establish and grant independence to Offices of State Auditors-General for Local Governments and the FCT Area Councils to boost grassroots accountability and transparency.
A bill by Rep. Ihonvbere to increase the number of Federal High Court judges to at least 100 or as otherwise prescribed by the National Assembly.
Another from the same sponsor proposing to expand the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction to cover admiralty law, navigation on the River Niger and Benue, and all federal ports.
A bill seeking to empower the National Judicial Council (NJC), alongside the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, to fix and review the remuneration of judicial officers and court staff.
A proposal by Rep. Francis Waive to create Ughelli East Local Government Area in Delta State.
Although some lawmakers expressed support, the majority voted against the bills when put to a voice vote.
In the aftermath, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business appealed for a reconsideration, suggesting that the bills be voted on individually rather than as a group. However, Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Ali Jesse raised a point of order under Order 9, Rule 6, which mandates that any rescission of a decision must be introduced as a substantive motion on notice.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen upheld the point of order and instructed the Committee on Rules and Business to list the motion for reconsideration on the order paper for the next legislative day.
