The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately commence the distribution of voters’ cards not distributed before the last general elections across the country.
The lawmakers also directed the Commission to embark on continuous registration of voters in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010.
The resolution was passed following the adoption of the motion sponsored by Shadimu Alao, who expressed concern over the undue delay in the distribution of the Voters’ cards several months after the conclusion of the exercise.
Also who frowned at the manner the commission handled the distribution of voters’ cards ahead of the 2015 general elections, accused the Commission of disenfranchising millions of Nigerians across the federation.
According to him, while some states got a large percentage of voters’ cards, other states like Lagos with highest voters, got far less voters’ cards.
“The uneven distribution of voters’ cards may, in some cases, produce unpopular candidates resulting in triumph of the minority over the majority, which is antithetical to all known democratic tenets,” he said.
He therefore called on the House to prevail on the Federal Government to ensure provision of funds for INEC to cope with its enormous responsibilities as and when due.
Consequently, the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara mandated the House Committees on Electoral and Political Party Matters and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance with the resolution.
In a related development, the Chamber also passed for second reading, a Bill for an Act to establish the Electoral Offences Tribunal for the purpose of trying electoral Offences; and a Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Electoral Offences Commission charged with the responsibility of Prohibition and Prosecution of electoral Offences; and other related matters.
KEHINDE AKINTOLA
