Victor EzejaFORMER Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has applauded the Senate for reversing itself on electronic transmission of results.
Ekweremadu noted that it is a good step for strengthening the nation’s democracy.
In a statement released through his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, the lawmaker representing Enugu West Senatorial District stated that the resolution of the upper chamber justified his assurances to Nigerians in July that all hope was not lost for electronic transmission of 2023 election results despite the initial setback.
“I want to specially commend the Senate for setting aside narrow partisan interests to correct the mistake of July 15, 2021 by reversing itself on the issue of electronic transmission of election results.
“This clause, though not originally part of the Bill, was introduced by the Joint National Assembly Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission, which I am part of, to save the nation the troubles of ballot box snatching, electoral violence, and manipulations that happen between the polling booth and collation centres.
He said that though he was not in Nigeria when the Senate passed the Bill in July refusing to allow electronic transmission of results, he had assured Nigerians that he would work with progressive minds and dialogue with other colleagues and critical stakeholders to “ensure that electronic transmission of results was restored in the Bill.”
“It is, therefore, heart-warming that my confidence in the capacity of my colleagues to dialogue and rise above narrow partisan interest on this matter was not misplaced.
“I must also commend the Civil Society Organizations and Nigerians for standing up for what is right for the nation and our democracy.”
Senate on Tuesday passed the electoral amendment Bill which restored the clause allowing INEC to determine modalities for electronic transmission of election results.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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