Dr Bebeyi
Abuja – A development expert, Dr Shae Bebeyi has urged members of the National assembly to insist on direct primary and other popular clauses in the 2021 ammended electoral bill in the overall interest of the country
Bebeyi, chairman, Board of trustees Chartered Institute of Development and Social Studies said the bill which contain citizens top priorities and recognises use of technology in our electoral process should be given due consideration and approval.
He explained that the direct primary clause in the bill will put paid to the problem of lack of internal democracy common to all registered political parties in the country.
Bebeyi therefore urged members of the national assembly to quickly rework the bill, especially the controversial aspect of financing direct primary and send it back to the presidency for assent.
The development expert also appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari not to disappoint Nigerians waiting to see an improvement in the country’s electoral process by assenting to the bill when it is finally returned to him.
He disclosed that the ammended electoral bill was a product of wide consultations among critical stakeholders which started in 2010, saying it will be a huge waste of time and resources if Buhari refuses to sign into law.
Bebeyi reminded Buhari his earlier promise that he would give INEC all it needs to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2023, saying that the ammended 2021 electoral bill was one of the ways to achieve this.
The President had on December 9 sent back the bill to the national assembly for amendment, especially the aspect that has to do with financing direct primaries of political parties.
Bebeyi said Buhari should be aware that the ” electoral bill is the most reform -minded legislation of the most important part of our democratic journey since the 1999.
“I will counsel the President to find strong courage to sign the Electoral Bill as Nigerians are eagerly awaiting for his assent.
” I believe,with the good work the National Assembly has done, the Electoral bill is a journey towards socio-political prosperity of our nation, ” he added. (vitalnews)
