Senate Election Results: Rowdy Session Over Transmission

An emergency session in the Senate on Tuesday descended into a rowdy debate regarding the electronic transmission of election results, during proceedings to adopt the Votes and Proceedings of the 4th February sitting where the Electoral Bill was passed.

The heated discussion arose from the ongoing controversy surrounding the Red Chamber’s decision to omit a crucial provision. This provision would have mandated the real-time electronic transmission of election results directly from polling units within the current amendment of the Electoral Act.

Legislative Disagreement Escalates

The session became particularly boisterous following Senate President Godswill Akpabio's reading of a proposed amendment to Section 60(3). This occurred after Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno) put forward a motion, under Order 1b 52(6), for the Red Chamber to reverse its previous decision on the matter.

A number of lawmakers expressed considerable discomfort with specific wording contained within the new proposal. This unease quickly contributed to the escalating tension on the floor of the Senate.

Withdrawn Point of Order

Subsequently, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe called for a point of order, citing division under Order 70, to allow each senator to cast their vote individually. However, Senator Abaribe later withdrew this point of order. The withdrawal was likely due to concerns that it might jeopardise the delicate process of amending Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act.