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  • News - North Central - FCT
  • Updated: February 22, 2022

Massive Protest In Abuja Over Buhari's Refusal To Sign Electoral Bill 2022

Massive Protest In Abuja Over Buhari's Refusal To Sign Elect

Massive Protest In Abuja Over Buhari's Refusal To Sign Electoral Bill 2022

A coalition of civil society groups is currently gathered at the Unity Fountain in Abuja to protest the delay by President Muhammadu Buhari in assenting to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

The protesters are wielding placards in their number chanting anti-government songs.

Some of the inscriptions on their placards read; “Buhari Sign Electoral Bill Now, Prevent Elections Rigging, The Bill Protects the Voting Rights of PWDS, Buhari Save Our Democracy among others.”

The protesters will be heading toward the National Assembly and the Presidential Villa gate.

The CSOs had in a statement recently called on the President to act on this matter of urgent national importance.

The coalition said the bill allowed electronic transmission of results, strengthened the financial independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission and empowered the commission to reject falsified election results.

The coalition urged its partners to converge on the Unity Fountain, Abuja.

The coalition includes Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Yiaga Africa, Partners for Electoral Reform, International Press Centre, Institute for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, The Albino Foundation, Centre for Citizens with Disability, Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism, Labour Civil Society Coalition, Transition Monitoring Group, CLEEN Foundation and  Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre.

Coalition Group Protest Over Delays Amendment of Electoral Bill 2022Others are; Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, Nigeria Network of Non-Governmental Organisations, Inclusive Friends Association, Enough is Enough, The Electoral Hub, Centre for Liberty, Take Back Nigeria Movement, International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre, 100 Women Lobby Group, Women in Politics Forum, Raising New Voices, Millennials Active Citizenship Advocacy Africa and Ready To Lead Africa.

However, the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi has assured protesters of a peaceful outing as the FCT commissioner of police had put in place the necessary measures to ensure the protest is peaceful.

Earlier in a statement on Monday February 20, 2022, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, accused the groups of “cashing in” on the perceived delay to foment civil disorder.

Adesina, who is the President’s most senior spokesman, argued that the constitution gives the President 30 days to make a decision on any bill. He added that since the President received the bill on January 31, 2022, the President had till March 1 to sign it.

In the statement titled ‘Assent to electoral Bill: no need for saber rattling,’ the Presidency said “Some interest groups are cashing in on what they consider a delay in the signing of the electoral bill into law by the President to foment civil disorder and muddy the waters.

“One can just pity their ignorance of constitutional requirements, as the President has a window of 30 days within which to sign the Bill, or decline assent, after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.

“It is on record that the amended Bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022, which means that the executive could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the constitution.”

According to the Presidency, a proposed legislation that has to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needs to be thoroughly scrutinised, and be made as near-perfect as possible.

It warned that “Those playing cheap politics with it are, therefore, encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time.”

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