By Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti
An Ado Ekiti based Public Analyst, Elder Ayo Arogundade has called on competent lawyers in Nigeria to go to court and challenge the last week’s knocking out of the electronic transmission of elections in Nigeria by the lawmakers.
The social crusader and ex-labour leader particularly condemned in strong terms the Thursday and Friday passage of Electoral Act Amendment Bill by the National Assembly which does not gives absolute powers to the Independent Electoral Commision, (INEC) which was opposed by the lawmakers who voted against it during their open debate.
Arogundade, who condemned the actions of the lawmakers that opposed it, described it as “very unfortunate that the Senate voted against giving full powers to INEC to transmit election results electronically.
Apart from this, the lawmakers suggested that voting in the chambers of National Assembly should ali ways be made open so that Nigerians can continue to see whether their lawmakers who they voted for are actually representing their.
In a telephone interview with the heritagenewsng, Arogundade said, “I give kudos to the few senators that supported the electronic transmission.
“I want to strongly suggest that voting in the chambers of National Assembly should continue to be by open division and no more voice vote so that the people will know how their Senators and Reps stand and no more hiding place for them in respect of their stands on issues.”
Soecifucally, the labour leader said, “I strongly suggest that the issue of the electoral law should be tested in court.
“This is because the constitution has given enough powers to INEC to determine its own rules and the Constitution is superior to any Act.and it overrides any act or law if it is inconstitence with the constitution.
“It is also sad that some Senators were absent when crucial matters were been debated.
“However what I know is that there is God on the throne and there will be true and fair Elections.
“Nigeria People themselves will vote for the candidates who will govern them.I hereby implore all eligible Nigerians to come out and register and get their PVC to vote for the candidates and parties of their choice in the forthcoming elections” He added.