The House of Representatives has joined its Senate counterpart in naming members of its harmonisation committee, to agree on the Electoral Bill recently passed by both houses. It will be recalled that just before their long recess, both chambers had passed the Electoral Bill, 2021 with some differences in the versions passed. A major difference is on the electronic transmission of election results. While the Senate had required that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should obtain recommendation and approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Assembly, respectively before transmitting election results electronically, the House had left it to INEC’s discretion. It is not clear how soon the harmonisation will happen but observers expect an early harmonisation. Thereafter, the bill will be sent to the President for assent. The President will be expected under the Constitution, to give his assent within 30 days, failing which the National Assembly could consider that he has vetoed the bill and can subsequently vote to override the veto.
The House of Representatives Conference Committee on the bill is constituted as follows:
– Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi (Chairman)
– Hon. James Faleke
– Hon. Chris Emeka Azubogu
– Hon. Abdullahi Kalambaina
– Hon.
Blessing Onuh
– Hon. Aishatu Dukku
– Hon. Unyime Idem