A Bill that seeks to establish the national electoral offences commission in Nigeria has passed second reading in the Senate.
President of the Senate Dr. Ahmad Lawan in his remarks after the debate, assured Nigerians that the National Assembly is committed to a sustainable transparent and credible election process in the country.
He believes that if the bill is eventually passed and signed into law, it would help to deter those politicians who do not have genuine interest in serving the people.
The bill has been referred to the committee on INEC with a mandate to report to the Senate in plenary within four weeks, after due legislative work.
South West Development Commission
Meanwhile, a bill for an Act to establish the South West Development Commission, divided the Senate as many lawmakers spoke in favour and against the passage of the proposed piece of legislation.
Sponsor of the bill, Senator Ibikunle Amosun had explained that the commission is to act as a catalyst to develop the commercial and industrial potentials of the South West, as well as to receive and manage funds from allocation of the Federation for the agricultural and industrial development of the region.
Senator Amosun added that it would help to tackle any other related educational backwardness as well as security and development challenges and other connected matter.
The bill, which eventually passed second reading was opposed by some lawmakers, who said that the South West does not need such commission, arguing that the region is ahead of others in terms of development.
The opposing lawmakers warned that the Senate should not divide the country, adding that the commissions granted to other regions came into place because of certain circumstances.
Earlier in his lead debate, Senator Amosun said, “the push for the establishment of the South West Development Commission is an attempt to address the dwindling fortunes of the region by implementing a regional development plan, taking into consideration the region’s unique endowments, natural advantages and capabilities.”
“This commission if passed into law will enhance regional integration which is capable of delivering the benefits of large economies of scale. It is my firm belief that this Bill will act as a catalyst to develop the geo political zone by providing legislative backing to address some of these challenges in the South West, just as it has been done for other geo political zones in this hallowed chambers”.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan, after the bill had passed second reading referred it to the Committee on Establishment and Public Services for further legislative work.
