ABUJA— The Nigerian Senate during its sitting on Wednesday threw out President Muhammdu Buhari’s Bill seeking to amend the newly-amended Electoral Act, 2022.

The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act 2022 and for related matters, 2022,” was rejected by Senators. This led to the halt of its second reading.

On Tuesday the Bill scaled the first reading despite a court order barring the Senate from acting on it.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan had challenged the Court order saying that the Judiciary cannot in any circumstances stop the Legislature from performing its constitutional duties.

The court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo, on an ex-parte application by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), barred President Muhammadu Buhari, Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Senate President from tampering with the newly amended Electoral Act 2022.

The Court maintained that the Electoral Act 2022, having become a valid law could not be altered without following the due process of law.

Before the Senate commenced consideration of the Bill on Wednesday, Senator Adamu Aliero had while citing order 52(5) of the Senate Standing Rules, urged the Senate President to jettison any proposed action on the Bill.

Lawan was however adamant. He reiterated his position that only senators may reject the Bill and not the judiciary seeking to stop the chamber from performing its lawful duties through an order.

Senators however voted overwhelmingly against the Bill to stop it from being read a second time.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK