The senate has finally introduced a bill seeking to establish the
Electoral Offences Commission in the country.
The long awaited bill, titled, “Electoral Offences Commission
(Establishment) Bill”, 2019 passed second reading at Wednesday’s
plenary session.
Senator representing Borno north, Abubakar Kyari, sponsored the bill.
It was introduced a day after the senators lamented the violence and
irregularities that have continued to mar Nigeria’s elections.
For instance, the just concluded elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states
witnessed widespread violence and intimidation of voters and electoral
officials.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as is currently
constituted is not empowered to prosecute electoral offenders.
Even the electoral commission has at various times expressed
frustration at its inability to handle such cases.
If passed into law, the legislation will help unbundle the commission
as well as help in speedy prosecution of electoral offences.
