Amid growing nationwide protests over the removal of the phrase “real-time” from the amended Electoral Act, the Senate has assured Nigerians that the issue will be revisited at an emergency plenary session scheduled for today (Tuesday).
This assurance was given by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, in response to public outrage following the Senate’s controversial decision to make the electronic transmission of election results discretionary rather than mandatory.
Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters had on Monday stormed the National Assembly complex in Abuja, demanding the inclusion of “real-time electronic transmission” of results in the final version of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The protesters, armed with placards and banners, insisted that only a clear and unambiguous provision would guarantee electoral transparency and public trust in future elections.
Reacting to the demonstration, Adaramodu maintained that the National Assembly respects the right of citizens to protest, describing peaceful agitation as a vital part of democratic governance.
“The Senate is not averse to Nigerians showing their feelings. We are in a democracy, and people have the right to express themselves peacefully,” the Senate spokesman said in an interview with Vanguard.
He further disclosed that the Senate would reconvene today in an emergency sitting to approve the votes and proceedings of last Wednesday’s plenary, during which the contentious clause was passed.
Assuring the public of the legislature’s responsiveness, Adaramodu reiterated the Senate’s commitment to its constitutional responsibilities and promised that the lawmakers would consider the concerns raised by Nigerians.
He said, “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.”
