Reps reject bill seeking to strip INEC of power to register political parties

House of Representatives on Tuesday, rejected a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended ) to strip the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its powers to register and regulate political parties.

The bill, co-sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, and Hon. Francis Waive, was presented for second reading but was voted down after a voice vote conducted by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary.

The House also rejected another constitutional amendment bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, seeking to establish the principle of rotation for the offices of the President and Vice President among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West.

Other rejected bills included:HB. 2288: A bill to alter the Constitution to provide for the establishment, independence, and functions of the Offices of State Auditors-General for Local Governments and the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, sought to strengthen fiscal oversight, promote accountability, and enhance good governance at the grassroots level.

However, the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep Ali Jesse, raised a point of order citing Order 9, Rule 6, which requires that any decision to rescind a vote must be brought forward as a substantive motion on notice and the Speaker concurred and directed the Committee on Rules and Business to list the motion for rescission on the order paper for the next legislative day (Wednesday).