Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the Senate will not be intimidated by public criticism as it works to deliver an Electoral Act that will strengthen democracy and serve the interest of Nigerians. He assured citizens that the legislative process is still ongoing and that no final decision has been taken on the contentious provisions of the law.
Akpabio made this known on Saturday at the public presentation of the book titled The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria written by Senator Effiong Bob. The event was held at the Nigerian Air Force Centre in Abuja and attracted several political leaders and dignitaries.
Addressing the controversy surrounding Section 60 subsection 3 of the Electoral Act Akpabio said the uproar was unnecessary because the amendment process had not been completed. He explained that the Senate was yet to approve the votes and proceedings and that the harmonisation stage was still ahead.
According to him senators still retain the right to propose amendments before the final approval. He expressed concern that some individuals had already taken to television panels to criticise the Senate over an issue that remained unresolved. Akpabio insisted that the Senate should be allowed to complete its work without undue pressure.
He dismissed suggestions that the Senate was acting under external influence stating that retreats or agreements reached outside the chamber do not amount to lawmaking. He added that the Senate would act in the national interest and not bow to pressure from any organisation.
Explaining the rationale behind the proposed changes Akpabio said the removal of the phrase real time was to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission determine the most practical mode of transmission. He warned that making real time transmission mandatory could disenfranchise voters in areas without network coverage or stable electricity.
Earlier speaking on the theme of the book Akpabio described the legislative role as demanding noting the heavy burden of representation oversight and budgetary responsibility. Former Senate President David Mark also described the burden on legislators as complex and urged the Senate to do what Nigerians consider right on the Electoral Act.
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