Senate Takes Away Power To Conduct LG Elections From States, Vest It On INEC

The Senate has taken away the power of the State Independent Electoral Commissions to conduct local governments’ elections.

That power has now been given to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The resolution of the Senate came after a prayer by Senator Dino Melaye during the on-going consideration of the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

Melaye argued that for the country to have free and fair local government elections, the INEC must oversee the process and not SIECs.

The federal lawmakers also gave 30 days ultimatum to the President and Governors to appoint Ministers and Commissioners after inauguration into ‎office.

The Senate adhoc Committee in its amendment of the Constitution has also eliminated the joint account between states and local Government, New Telegraph newspaper has reported.