The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted down a bill seeking to introduce rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The bill, presented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, proposed amending the 1999 Constitution to mandate power rotation between North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West regions.
Presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the plenary session also saw the rejection of six other constitutional amendment bills, which failed to progress beyond the second reading stage.
Among the rejected proposals were:
- HB. 2227: A bill seeking to transfer the power to register and regulate political parties from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to a proposed Office of the Registrar General of Political Parties. Sponsored by Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Francis Waive.
- HB. 2288: A bill to establish and ensure the independence of Offices of State Auditors-General for Local Governments and FCT Area Councils, aimed at strengthening fiscal accountability at the grassroots level. Sponsored by Hon. Julius Ihonvbere.
- HB. 2279: A proposal to increase the minimum number of Federal High Court judges to 100 or as otherwise prescribed by law. Also sponsored by Hon. Ihonvbere.
- HB. 2280: A bill to expand the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to cover admiralty matters, including shipping and navigation on the River Niger, River Benue, and designated inland waterways. Sponsored by Hon. Ihonvbere.
- HB. 2281: A bill to empower the National Judicial Council (NJC), in collaboration with the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, to set and review remuneration for judicial officers and staff. Sponsored by Hon. Ihonvbere.
- HB. 2248: A constitutional amendment to create Ughelli East Local Government Area in Delta State. Sponsored by Hon. Francis Waive.
Initially, the bills were presented together as a single package and subjected to a collective vote, which failed to pass. Subsequent attempts at individual voting were unsuccessful despite appeals from the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business. However, lawmakers indicated the bills may be reconsidered on Wednesday.
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