Notwithstanding the National Assembly’s latest backpedal in overriding President Muhammadu Buhari on the Electoral Law Amendment Bill, #FixPolitics Initiative has insisted federal lawmakers have no alternative on the issue.
“The National Assembly should move swiftly with common and patriotic purpose to override the President’s veto now and pass the Electoral Amendment Bill into law with a two-third majority of its members,” it said. “The President’s letter refusing to assent to the bill was sent on December 20, a day after the constitutionally mandated period, demonstrating a brazen attitude of disdain for the rule of law and for citizens who are supportive of the bill,” #FixPolitics noted.
The National Assembly, the group, maintained, should be reminded that it is not an appendage, department or parastatal of the Presidency. “They are a co-equal branch of government with the executive and judiciary. Members of the National Assembly are elected by Nigerians to serve as their representatives and as a check on the excesses and likely abuse of power by the executive branch of government.