In order to reconcile the differences between the versions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives established a bipartisan conference committee.
The House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, revealed the situation in a statement released on Thursday morning, according to Daily Trust.
Rotimi clarified that, in accordance with a directive from the Green Chamber leadership, the decision was conveyed through an internal letter from Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Clerk of the House of Representatives.
The announcement states that Rep. Adebayo Balogun, the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, is in charge of the committee.
The panel also consists of representatives. Dr. Zainab Gimba, Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Iduma Igariwey Enwo, Ahmadu Jaha, Fred Agbedi, and Sada Soli.
In order to resolve discrepancies in the provisions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, the conference committee has been assigned to work with its Senate equivalent.
The House claims that the exercise’s goal is to create a harmonized version of the bill for the National Assembly’s final approval.
The statement said, “The conference committee is required to work with its Senate counterpart to reconcile the disparate provisions in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill in order to produce a harmonized version for final passage by the National Assembly.”
The House of Representatives reaffirmed its dedication to implementing electoral reforms that will increase Nigeria’s democratic process’s credibility, openness, and public trust.
The legislators said the action shows the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening the laws governing the nation’s elections.
It was understood that in order to collaborate with the House on harmonizing the measure, the Senate had previously formed its own conference committee.
The Senate committee’s chairman, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, was named by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday.
Senators Niyi Adegbonmire, Oji Uzor Kalu, Adamu Aliero, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Aminu Abbas, and Tokunbo Abiru are among the other members.
It is anticipated that the combined efforts of the two chambers will expedite the legislative process and guarantee the creation of a single change to the Electoral Act that represents the National Assembly’s consensus.
