The Senate has received a total of 42 memoranda addressing various electoral reform issues and the establishment of state police.
According to the compendium of submissions obtained by our correspondent, 32 memoranda focused on electoral reform, while 10 dealt with the need for state police.
The proposals, spread across 111 clauses, highlight issues such as the autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission, diaspora voting, pre- and post-election concerns, and court rulings on electoral matters.
Among those who submitted memoranda on electoral reforms are former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North), Global Rights, Yiaga Africa, and other civil society organizations.
Nwoko’s submission called for the “immediate issuance of Permanent Voter Cards at the point of registration,” with proposed amendments to Sections 318(1), 84(1)(4), and 291(2) of the Constitution.
Similarly, Nwoye and Solicitors advocated for the “amendment of sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for the establishment of a National Election Court of Nigeria and include it as one of the superior courts of record in the country.”
The All Middle Belt Youth Forum also pushed for reforms, stating that, “there should be clear criteria for the appointment of the INEC Chairman, Commissioners, and Directors.” They also called for a “constitutional provision for independent candidacy” and the “constitutionalisation of electronic voting and the transmission of election results.”
Socio-Economic and Cultural Rights recommended the abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions, arguing that INEC should handle local government elections.
Their memorandum also proposed a spending limit for politicians and urged anti-corruption agencies to monitor political expenditures.
Global Rights focused on reducing delays in the judicial process, recommending an amendment to Section 285(6) to shorten the timeframe for hearing and determining pre-election matters and election petitions.
“The constitution should be amended to reduce the timeline for concluding matters arising from party primaries and the nomination of candidates from 180 days to 90 days,” their submission read.
They added that “all pre-election matters should be concluded before the date fixed for an election.”
Yiaga Africa, in its submission, called for the “amendment of the Constitution to review the timeframe for the conduct of elections.”
They proposed that elections should be held “no earlier than 240 days and no later than 90 days to the end of the term of the current officeholder.”
Additionally, they recommended reducing the timeline for resolving election petitions from 180 days to 90 days, and the disposal of appeals from 60 days to 30 days.
On the issue of state police, several memoranda argued that the current centralised police structure is failing to meet Nigeria’s security challenges.
Those who submitted memoranda supporting state police include the Southern Kaduna Forum, the Lunguda Development Association, Kwara South Consultative Forum Professor Hakeem Fawehimni, and National Association of Seadogs.
Others include National Council of Women Societies, Oro Nation Patriots, All Middle Belt Youth Forum, and Equity International Coalition of Civil Society Groups.
However, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, expressed reservations about the introduction of state-controlled police, warning that it could “exacerbate ethnic tensions and lead to divided loyalty within the states.” Egbetokun stated, “Nigeria is not yet mature and ready for the establishment of state-controlled police.”
Despite this, lawmakers have given their nod for the establishment of State police.
The Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele strongly advocated for state policing, citing global best practices.
“Every community is asking for security. The current police system is not keeping up with the security realities across the country,” Bamidele argued. He added, “The idea of state policing is not new; it’s consistent with global practices. Those opposing it are playing ostrich.”
Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) echoed Bamidele’s support but advocated for a gradual approach.
Let Zebra News help your business/brand reach a wider audience. Advertise with us today! Contact Our Marketing Team; Tel: 08062622328, 07083662767. Email: zebranewsng@gmail.com