THUR, MARCH 12 2020-theG&BJournal- The Senate Thursday took the Second Readings of another set of bills (5) sponsored by The Senate Deputy President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for Acts to alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. They are Senate Bills (SBs) Nos. 321, 322, 323, 324 and 325.
Senate Bill No. 321 seeks to establish Pre-Election Tribunals to hear and determine pre-elections matters before presidential, governorship and national/state legislative elections. Amongst other reasons, it is to stop the use of ‘PRE-election’ disputes to truncate the electoral will of the people duly expressed in ‘POST-election’ outcomes.
Simply put, Senator Omo-Agege is by this Bill seeking to build consensus around the growing belief that it would serve our democracy better if ALL PRE-election matters are settled BEFORE elections. This way, they electorate will be sure that those they are voting or voted for will be the ones to serve them.
Senate Bill No 322 seeks to qualify and remove some immunity for Public Officers named in Section 308 (President, Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governors) where the offence alleged involves MISAPPROPRIATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR USE OF THUGS TO PERPETUATE VIOLENCE LEADING TO DEATH OF CITIZENS/PEOPLE.
Senate Bill No 323 seeks to expand the definition of an ‘indigene of a State’ to include a Nigerian citizen who has lived in that State for a continuous period of not less than 10 years. Relatedly and for the purpose of seeking elective public office, Senate Bill No. 324 seeks to grant women automatic indigeneship of their husbands’ States of origin or indigeneship.
By Senate Bill No. 325, The Senate Deputy President seeks constitutional set asides specifying the minimum number of Youths and Women to be appointed Ministers, Ambassadors, and State Commissioners to better harness their potentials for the development of the nation.
‘’Without question, the constitution review bills proposed so far by Omo-Agege are thoughtful and hugely consequential in character,’’ says a close aide.
‘’Senator Ovie Omo-Agege believes fervently in the Nigerian Project, and holds the firm view that every leader and citizen has a duty to ensure it works well for this and future generations. This itself is a major reason why all stakeholders should participate in the review of the Constitution.’’
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