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Politics of Thursday, 19 March 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Senate propose bill for INEC to organize debates for candidates vying for executive positions

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A bill mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission to organize mandatory public debates for all candidates to the Office of Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, and President has been read on the floor of the Senate today.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari who believed the bill would boost and strengthen electoral processes.

Several legislators supported the bill.

Senator Ibrahim Gobir said: “I think it is very fundamental that we have this debate. We need an independent board to access the quality of people who will anchor the debate for all candidates."

Senator Oloriegbe Yahaya also drummed support for the bill.

“I rise to support this Bill. For people that will hold executive positions it is important for them to hold interview. The best way to test one's ability is for you to answer questions,” he argued.

“We must have people who want to serve and think about Nigeria. I strongly agree with the content of this Bill that if passed it will showcase the capacity of those who are seeking to serve this country,” Senator Christopher Ekpenyong added.

Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan referred the Bill to the Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission to report within four weeks.

“I believe that INEC has enough responsibilities and to give INEC the responsibility to organize this debate will probably cause some difficulty especially in opposition participating in such debate.

“The way is to have a non state actor, independent people and those people who choose to desire to be part of the debate.

“It is an opportunity for both the voters and candidates to present themselves to the people and for the voters to know who the candidates are and make their choice. It is an opportunity for the citizens to make good or bad judgment," the Senate President said.