President Muhammadu Buhari
Electoral Bill: Presidency reacts to complaints, says Buhari has 30 days window
The Presidency has reacted to complaints emanating from some quarters about the ungranting of presidential assent to the Electoral Act amendment Bill.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a message, said President Muhammadu Buhari has the constitutional right to sign the bill within 30 days.
Said Adesina : “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.”
