News
Reps pass Diaspora voting bill for second reading
The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed for a second reading a bill seeking to make room for Nigerians living outside the country to vote during general elections.
The bill was sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Tajueen Abass, and the lawmaker representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, Sadiq Abdullahi.
Abdullahi, while leading the debate on the bill’s general principles, argued that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) grants citizens the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and opinion.
He noted that regardless of the locations of Nigerians, it is their fundamental right to exercise civic responsibility in choosing leaders for the various arms of government in their country.
In his words, Nigerians in the diaspora contribute financially to the country through remittances, and as such, should be part of the electioneering process, whether or not they live on the shores of Nigeria.
He said, “It is widely believed that diaspora remittances have contributed remarkably to the development of Nigeria. Nigerians in the diaspora make considerable contributions to the Nigerian economy through huge financial inflow. Sadly, existing laws in Nigeria have not provided voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora.
“Consequently, the agitation for voting rights for Nigerians in diaspora has continued to gain momentum. It is a practice that allows for holistic inclusiveness in a democratic society.
“Section 1 of the bill guarantees the voting rights of Nigerian citizens living outside Nigeria. The section provides that elections to be conducted under this Act if passed, shall include elections in which the Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) is empowered by law.”
Abdullahi added that “Section 4 provides that this Act if passed, shall not invalidate existing laws in Nigeria. It only provides a platform for Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in elections conducted in Nigeria.”
The bill was subsequently referred to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action.
News
Malaysia Celebrates 67th Independence Day, Emphasises Economic Growth, Strengthening Ties with Nigeria
News
HoR Mediates Peace Among Rival Safety Professional Groups
News
Edo guber: LP’s Akpata remains a front runner, set to capture Edo
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Less than twenty-four hours to the start of voting in Saturday’s governorship poll in Edo State, a rash of fake news has broken out.
Leading parties in the election have had their fair shares of fake news either indicating the withdrawal of their candidates or disqualification by a Magistrate Court or Supreme Court.
For instance, Olumide Akpata of LP was said to have withdrawn from the race and thrown his support for Asue Ighodalo in a statement that read smoothly and appeared convincing.
THE CONCLAVE sent the statement to Akpata via WhatsApp for confirmed.
He responded by sending the same statement with FAKE NEWS boldly stamped on it.
He said he was set for victory at the poll.
There was also a news flash about the Supreme Court disqualifying Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, with a sign off: More details coming….
A Magistrate Court in Abuja was also reported to have disqualified Monday Okpebholo of the APC from the poll on account of age falsification.
The APC campaign organisation had swiftly put a lie to the report by deploying the court papers in the circumstance.
-
Metro20 hours ago
Police confirm alleged ritual, kidnap incident at Top View hotel Abuja
-
News14 hours ago
Few Hours To Edo Election, Governorship Candidate Withdraws
-
Sports21 hours ago
Champions League: Monaco shock Barcelona, Atalanta hold Arsenal
-
Politics20 hours ago
Fintiri pledges support for PDP chair Damagum amid party division
-
News20 hours ago
Council autonomy: Constitution for rework, says Akpabio
-
News20 hours ago
E-CMR: We won’t stop vehicles to check papers again – Police
-
Politics20 hours ago
PDP governors divided over bid to sack party chair Damagum
-
Opinion14 hours ago
Permutations On Edo Governorship Election 2024