Signing Of Electoral Act Amendment Bill: Rep. Onuigbo Says Buhari A Defender Of Transparent Democracy

Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Abia State Hon. Sam Onuigbo has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for signing into law the re-worked Electoral Act Amendment Bill, describing him as a defender of transparent democracy.

He said history will always remember President Buhari for proving that he champions the entrenchment of sustainable democratic ideals by signing this Bill into law, despite what he called frantic and clandestine forces fighting to stop it.

In a statement on Saturday, the lawmaker said the new Electoral Act is a demonstration of President Buhari’s commitment which he also showed when he signed the Climate Change Bill which Onuigbo sponsored despite opposition.

He also lauded the National Assembly for working hard to ensure that a legal framework that will entrench transparency in the country’s electoral system is achieved.

He said, “This is reminiscent of Mr President’s dogged commitment that saw him sign the Climate Change Bill which I sponsored into law, despite stiff opposition too. In both cases, President Buhari demonstrated an unwavering determination to place the interests of the country above every other thing. History will be kind to him.

“In a democracy, the most credible and reliable way of enthroning leadership is through a credible and transparent electoral process. Therefore there is need for a credible electoral legal framework. Aware of this, we, at the National Assembly had worked so hard to ensure that critical inclusions that will strengthen our electoral processes are enshrined in the Act. I am happy that today, our democracy has been strengthened by the signing of this Act.

“The National Assembly, led by the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan CON and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, deserves commendation for working tirelessly to address the areas of conflict that initially stalled the signing of the Bill right from the 8th Assembly. It was important that those areas were addressed without compromising the integrity and transparency of our electoral process.

“In the same vein, I commend the Civil Society and Nigerians in general for championing the process and mounting the necessary pressure. This is a victory for democracy and also a victory for the country.”