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A major milestone was that the 1999 Bill to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amendment) to provide for independent candidacy within the country was resubmitted and referred to the Nigerian Constitutional Review Commission. Submit to the House of Representatives for further legislative action.
The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB1630) (Independent Candidate)” is sponsored by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., House Spokesperson.
The lawmaker said the bill was aimed at expanding the democratic space in Nigeria.
“This important bill, a legacy bill from previous Congresses, has been reintroduced for consideration after a first reading on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
“Today, this bill was recommitted to the House Constitutional Review Committee for further comprehensive consideration and legislative action.
“This re-committee on second reading was passed by Representative Isa Bello Ambarula (APC, Sokoto), Vice-Chairman of the House Rules and Business Committee and successor of Representative Akin Rotimi Jr. Pursuant to the motion moved,” he said in a written statement. Wednesday’s statement.
Representative Rotimi Jr. expressed pride in pushing this bill and stressed the importance of expanding political participation through independent candidacy.
“This legislative action is critical to the continued evolution of our democracy. The constitutional importance of providing citizens the option to run for public office independently, thereby ensuring greater inclusivity. gender-aware,” he said.
The progress of this bill has been guided by the combined provisions of Order 12 Rule 17 and Order 1 Rule 1(2) of the House of Commons Standing Orders, underscoring the House’s commitment to a thorough legislative process.
As the bill advances to the next stage of legislative debate, Rotimi is optimistic that its eventual passage will be a major milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
ElectHER Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ibijok Faborode, while briefing reporters on the bill, said the reintroduction of the Independent Candidacy Bill is an important and progressive milestone.
She expressed enthusiasm to see Congress united in support of this bill and emphasized its dedication to a legislative agenda that promotes inclusivity.
Faborode also noted that the progress of the bill in the 10th Parliament marks a defining moment for Nigeria and could significantly shape the future of democracy.
She reaffirmed the continued partnership between Elexar and Rep. Akintunde’s office to champion the support and engagement of the people towards the final passage of the bill.
Latefa Ibrahim
