Senate welcomes criticism, to resolve Electoral Act issue today – Spokesman
Nigerians have been assured that the dispute over the removal of the term “real-time” from provisions on electronic transmission of election results will be addressed at an emergency plenary sitting today.
As hundreds of protesters gathered at the National Assembly building in Abuja, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, spoke about the need for lawmakers to specifically include mandatory, real-time electronic transmission of results in the updated Electoral Act.
Adaramodu emphasised that peacefully addressing issues is a democratic practice and that Nigerians have the freedom to do so.
“The Senate is not averse to Nigerians showing their feelings. We are in a democracy, and people have the right to express themselves peacefully,” he stated.
He said the Senate will meet again today to review and ratify the votes and actions of the plenary last Wednesday, when the contentious amendment was enacted.
“Tomorrow (today), we will be having an emergency sitting to approve the votes and proceedings of our last sitting. As a Senate, we are not averse to Nigerians expressing their views in a very peaceful manner.
“We are in a democracy, and we will do what we have been elected to do for the people of Nigeria,” Adaramodu added.
