Presidency to CSOs: Don’t foment trouble over non-signing of electoral Bill

The Presidency has warned those interest groups planning to foment civil disorder over what they considered as the delay in the signing of the electoral bill by the President Muhammadu Buhari to shelve the plan.

Presidential Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina gave the warning in a statement he issued on Monday in Abuja.

The warning by The Presidency came barely 48 hours after 26 civil society groups declared Feb. 22, 2022 as National Day of Protest following the delay by the president to give his assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

According to the groups, the delay by the president to grant his assent to the electoral bill will create legal uncertainties that will threaten the integrity of the off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun, as well the 2023 general elections.

The presidential aide, however, said: “One can just pity their ignorance of the constitutional requirements, as the president has a window of 30 days within which to sign the bill, or decline assent, after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.

“It is on record that the amended bill was sent to The Presidency on Jan. 31, 2022, which means that the Executive could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the constitution.

“A proposed legislation that has to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needs to be thoroughly scrutinised and be made as near-perfect as possible.

“Those playing cheap politics with it are, therefore, encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time.’’