Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike says that President Muhammadu Buhari demand for the National Assembly to amend section 84 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, passed into law on Friday is questionable.
President Buhari, after signing the bill into law on Friday, had called on the National Assembly to amend section 84 of the bill.
The section requires political appointees to resign before contesting party primaries.
But reacting in a statement on Friday, Wike described Buhari’s demand for the clause which requires political appointees to resign before contesting party primaries to be amended as questionable, alleging that the President is trying to influence the process in favour of his appointees that might want to contest elections.
Wike said, “We are glad Mr President has bowed to pressure and signed the amended electoral act into law but he shouldn’t have allowed Nigerians pass through this level of emotions and tension before doing the right thing.
“This amendment is a victory for Nigerians as it would reduce electoral violence, give credibility to our electoral process and make popular acceptance the route to public office.
“Mr President’s call for an amendment of the clause which requires political appointees to resign before contesting party primaries is questionable. It is obvious he is trying to influence the process in favour of his appointees that might want to contest elections.
“Laws should be made in the interest of Nigerians and not for a few cronies. If he believes in free and fair elections and for everyone to have a level playing field Mr President wouldn’t demand for an amendment of the clause which requires political appointees to resign before participating in party primaries.
“I commend the National Assembly for listening to the voice of Nigerians and including the usage of smart card readers and electronic transmission of results in our laws.
“To everyone who spoke up, advocated and insisted on the signing of the amended electoral act, your effort has paid off, your voice has been heard and you have made a key contribution to the development of credibility in our electoral system.”