We will bequeath acceptable electoral act to Nigerians – Gbajabiamila

Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday, said the 9th House was committed to bequeathing a better Electoral Act that will be acceptable to the majority of Nigerians. He gave the assurance in Abuja when he hosted a team of the European Union (EU) delegation in Nigeria led by the head of mission, […]

Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday, said the 9th House was committed to bequeathing a better Electoral Act that will be acceptable to the majority of Nigerians.

He gave the assurance in Abuja when he hosted a team of the European Union (EU) delegation in Nigeria led by the head of mission, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, a statement by his media adviser, Lanre Lasisi, said.

The speaker expressed satisfaction that the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill was passed early enough by the National Assembly and would be transmitted to the president soon.

Gbajabiamila said though no country had a perfect electoral system, the National Assembly was making effort to make Nigeria electoral law to be in tune with the country’s peculiarities.

“For you to have good democracy, you need to have a good electoral law. Our electoral law is not perfect, just like your own is not perfect.

“But our goal is to make it perfect. That’s why in the 9th Assembly, we try to see that we make our Electoral Act to be perfect. We took our time to be thorough without sacrificing anything.

“Today, we’re at the threshold of history. We want to have an electoral act that is acceptable to the majority of Nigerians. We want an electoral act that does not compromise the sovereignty of Nigeria. That’s key to us. 

“Nigeria is a very plural society in terms of religion and ethnicity. These are some of the considerations we have to make,” he said.

On gender participation in politics, Gbajabiamila said: “If you follow the 9th House of Representatives, gender inclusion is one of our legislative agenda.

Earlier, Ambassador Isopi said the visit was to introduce herself as the new head of mission of EU in Nigeria, and reiterated EU’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria, the National Assembly and the House, and to formally announce the coming of a special mission later this month.

She said since 1999, the union had been a major partner and supporter of Nigeria’s democracy, especially in the area of supporting the National Assembly on electoral matters, women and the youth.