The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel, has stated that before the National Assembly engages the masses on its constitution review, it should first pass the Electoral Reform Bill to gain their trust.
The Governor disclosed this in an interview with Channels TV, on Sunday evening.
What Governor Emmanuel said
“For people to have confidence in going back now to do constitution amendment and so on, the National Assembly must first pass the Electoral Reform Bill.
That is why people are not participating, every day you are calling us out,” Udom said.
He added that the reason some Nigerians didn’t bother going to voting polls was that they were hoping that the electoral bill would be passed by the National Assembly, as passing it would make Nigerians satisfied with their votes and not be disgruntled.
“You (National Assembly) made so much announcement about an Electoral Bill that has not seen the light of the day, which has eroded the confidence and trust of people in starting to submit memoranda again over constitution review,” he said.
He warned that the environment did not support the constitution review process, saying, “What people want now is pass the electoral bill, let us know that in the next few months from now, our votes will count.”
What you should know
Nairametrics reported last month that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, stated that the recent constitutional review process by the National Assembly was a “waste of time,” adding that fundamental changes were needed in Nigeria, including the power of States to enforce laws.
In April, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, disclosed that the Electoral Amendment Bill would be approved by the National Assembly before the end of June.
