Electoral Bill: Ortom Appreciates Buhari For Withholding Assent, Reveals What Should Be The Next Line Of Action

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has commended the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to withhold assent to the electoral act amendment bill forwarded to him by the National Assembly.

The Governor noted that Buhari did the right thing by refusing to sign the bill, stating that direct primary is not cost-effective and does not represent the wish of the people.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Makurdi the state capital, Governor Ortom while appreciating the President for rejecting the bill, urged him to also listen to Nigerians and take action on the security and economic challenges facing the citizens.

“I want to appreciate the national assembly for amending the electoral act to include direct transmission of results. I am particularly happy that the NASS listened to Nigerians and passed the electronic transmission of results,” he said.

“I wish in the same manner to appreciate the president for withholding assent on the direct primaries.

“I appeal that he also listens to Nigerians on the economy and security of the country.”

Ortom went further to commend the recommendation on electronic transmission of results saying “it will engender transparency in the electoral system and also add value to the system”.

Ezenwoko’s Blog recalls Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, have confirmed President Muhammadu Buhari’s rejection of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Both the Speaker and the Senate President read the President’s letter on the floor of both chambers during Tuesday’s plenary.

Reading the letter, Lawan quoted Buhari as saying that his decision to withhold assent to the bill was based on advice from the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA).

The President added that assenting to the bill may open up the electoral system to a series of court issues from party members and stakeholders.

According to Buhari, the adoption of direct primaries violates the spirit of democracy and would fuel corruption as well as encourage over monitorization.

Buhari, therefore, said he declined assent to the bill in line with section 58 (1) of the 1999 constitution.

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