By Ayodele Oni
The Presidency clarified Monday why President Mohamadu Buhari has not assented to the Modified Electoral Bill.
The Bill, which had earlier been rejected by the President due to the mode of primary election imposed on political parties and other issues, was returned to the National Assembly for necessary modifications.
It was again returned to the President on January 31, after the National Assembly carried out the readjustment for assent.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has cried out over the continued delay in assenting to the bill, which it said may likely affect preparations for next year’s general election.
INEC has fixed a date for the General Election in February, next year, which is about a year from now.
In a statement on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Media, Femi Adesina, explained that some groups are planning to cash in on the delay to cause crisis in the country.
“Some interest groups are cashing in on what they consider a delay in the signing of the Electoral Bill into law by the President to foment civil disorder and muddy the waters.
“One can just pity their ignorance of Constitutional requirements, as the President has a window of 30 days within which to sign the Bill, or decline assent, after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.
“It is on record that the amended Bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022, which means that the Executive could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the Constitution.
“A proposed legislation that has to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needs to be thoroughly scrutinized, and be made as near-perfect as possible. “Those playing cheap politics with it are, therefore, encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time.”
