By Disun Amosun
Following Tuesdays second reading of the Independent Candidacy bill, the all important document has been recommitted to the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review for deeper consideration and legislative action.
The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB1630) (Independent Candidates),” was sponsored by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr. (Ekiti North 1, lkole/Oye Fed. Constituency)
The crucial legislation, a legacy bill from previous assemblies, was reintroduced for consideration following its first reading on Thursday, September 26, 2024
The recommitted, serving as the second reading, followed a motion moved by Rep. Isah Bello Ambarura (APC, Sokoto), Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, and seconded by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr.
Briefing newsmen after yesterday’s plenary, Rep. Rotomi said the bill’s progress is guided by the combined provisions of Order Twelve, Rule 17, and Order One, Rule 1(2), of the House of Representatives Standing Orders, underscoring the House’s commitment to a thorough legislative process.
As the bill proceeds to the next stage of legislative scrutiny, its protagonists remain optimistic that its eventual passage will mark a major milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
In her remarks, the founder and CRO of ElectHER, technical advisers to the office of the House Spokesman on the bill, Ms Ibironke Faborede described the recommitment of the bill as a critical and progressive milestone.
She noted that the bill’s progress within its short period in the National Assembly marks a defining moment got Nigeria, with the potential of shaping her future democratic space when eventually passed.