Chaos at house of reps as deputy speaker rules against e-transmission of election results

The house of representatives was thrown into chaos on Thursday over the electoral act amendment bill.

While the clause-by-clause analysis of the bill was being considered at the “committee of the whole”, Toby Okechukwu, deputy minority leader of the house, moved a motion that clause 52(3) of the bill be amended.

Okechukwu proposed that “transmission of election results shall be done electronically”.

When the motion was put to a voice vote, the “ayes” were louder than the “nays” but Wase ruled in favour of the “nays”.

A fierce argument, however, ensued, while some lawmakers approached the cubicle where Wase was seated.

When relative calm returned, Wase said the lawmakers approached his seat to insult him.

“We have legal rights to canvass issues and lobby each other. I take exception to those who came here to insult me,” he said.

“As parliamentarians, we should conduct ourselves in a language befitting of lawmakers. I am the chair of this committee by the grace of God with your support. No need to use insults on me. It will not do anyone any good. Anybody can review the audio.”

As the proceeding continued, James Faleke, lawmaker from Lagos, moved another amendment that “election results may be transmitted both electronically and manually.”

But Kingsley Chinda argued that there is a substantive motion which is yet to receive any ruling.

Chinda moved a motion that the house resort to a “division” and conduct a head count, but his motion was rejected as the lawmakers shouted to interrupt him.

In an effort to maintain calm, Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house, said more amendments should be taken.

“Those who want electronic transmission cannot impose it on those who want manual. And those who want manual cannot impose on those who want electronic voting,” he said.

He added that the chairman is yet to rule on the clause 52, noting that the amendment by Faleke is consistent.

When the amendment by Faleke was put to a voice vote, the “ayes” were again louder than the “nays”, but Wase said the “nays had it”.

The heated argument continued between the lawmakers.

Subsequently, the house reverted to plenary, and Wase reported what transpired at the “committee of the whole”.

When he mentioned that the report on the bill was considered up till clause 52, the lawmakers shouted “no” persistently.

At this point, Gbajabiamila took over the session and ruled that the sitting be adjourned till Friday at 10am.