- Safiu Kehinde
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, has charged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to revert the red chamber’s decision and pass the e-transmission of election results as contained in the Electoral Act amendment bill.
Mark urged the Senate President to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decide on whether the provision, after being passed, will be used or not.
The ADC National Chairman gave the charge during his address at the launching of book, “The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria,” written by Akwa-Ibom state lawmaker, Sen. Effiong Bob.
The event, held on Saturday at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre, had Mark, Akpabio, and several other dignitaries, including the Akwa-Ibom state governor, Umo Eno, in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Mark reiterated the call for the passage of the e-transmission of election result which was allegedly removed from the amendment bill.
“There should be electronic transmission. Let INEC decide whether they can do or they cannot do it. Don’t speak for INEC.
“Don’t speak for the National Assembly. What the public wants is let there be electronic transmission.
“Now if INEC cannot do it, it is their own problem, not for you to speak for INEC.” The ADC leader said.
NPO Reported that the provision of the bill which stipulated the mandatory transmission of all election results electronically was removed during the third reading by the Senate.
This had triggered mixed reactions from members of the public with several political parties calling out the Senate over the development.