By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters yesterday assured Nigerians that the Electoral Offences bill would be ready for use for the 2023 general elections.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kabiru Gaya stated this during the screening exercise of the Residents Electoral Commission (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Committee screened the 19 nominees presented for confirmation by President Muhammadu Buhari out of which the nominees where for reappointment while fourteen are for a new appointment.
Petitions were submitted against the nomination of nominees of Muhammad Lawal Bashir, Pauline Onyeka Ugochi Elizabeth, and Dr Oliver Teroso.
The panel, however, allowed the REC nominees to bow and go without asking critical questions.
Gaya nevertheless said the committee was working round the clock to ensure that the Electoral body conducts a credible Election in 2023 as the Committee has already forwarded the Electoral Offences Bill to the Technical Committee in the House of Representatives.
He said, “The National Assembly is unwavering in making sure that the Independent National Electoral Commission succeeds in its assignment.
“It will interest you to know that the National Electoral Offences Bill is presently being worked on by a technical Committee in the House of Representatives, the legislative intent is to ensure that INEC concentrates on the administration of elections, while Electoral offenders are brought to book to deter others and build a positive electoral culture for our nation.”
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Speaking on the preparation for the 2023 general election, Gaya said that the preparation for the 2023 elections is in top gear adding that it is an opportunity to prepare Nigerians for social, political, and economic elevation.
It could be recalled that in July, President Muhammadu Buhari transmitted the names of 19 nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Senate for confirmation.
The renewal nominees for confirmation are Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa); Obo Effanga (Cross River); Umar Ibrahim (Taraba); Agboke Olaleke (Ogun); and Samuel Egwu (Kogi).
For the fresh appointment, the nominees are Onyeka Ugochi (Imo); Muhammad Bashir (Sokoto); Ayobami Salami, a professor, (Oyo); Zango Abdu (Katsina); and Queen Agwu (Ebonyi).
Others are, Agundu Tersoo (Benue); Yomere Oritsemlebi (Delta); Yahaya Ibrahim, a professor, (Kaduna); Nura Ali (Kano); Agu Uchenna (Enugu); Ahmed Garki (FCT); Hudu Yunusa (Bauchi); Uzochukwu Chijioke, a professor, (Anambra); and Mohammed Nura (Yobe).
