Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Senate on Wednesday was forced to abandon its electronic voting system and resort to manual voting for the consideration of the highly anticipated State Police Bill after the device developed technical issues, a development that briefly delayed proceedings but ultimately ensured that every senator's position on the landmark constitutional amendment was recorded. The decision followed concerns that some lawmakers could be disenfranchised if the chamber proceeded with the faulty device, which malfunctioned at a critical moment as the Senate prepared to vote on the bill that seeks to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.
Under the manual voting arrangement, each senator was required to stand up, announce his or her name, and openly state his or her position on the state police proposal. The motion for the adoption of manual voting was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro. Lawmakers argued that the approach would ensure that no senator is excluded from the process, while also making each senator's position on the state police bill known to their constituents and the broader public. The decision to adopt open manual voting marked a departure from the chamber's usual practice, where electronic voting devices are used to record votes on legislative matters.
The technical glitch occurred as the Senate convened for a plenary session dedicated to the consideration of the State Police Bill, which was transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu and has been the subject of intense national debate in recent weeks. The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow for the establishment of state police services across the federation, a reform that proponents argue is critical to addressing the escalating security challenges facing the country, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and farmer-herder conflicts. The proposed amendment would create a dual policing structure consisting of federal and state police services, with each state empowered to establish and operate its own police force subject to oversight and coordination at the national level.
The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers of the National Assembly to pass, as well as ratification by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can become law. The manual voting process, while unusual, was seen by senators as a necessary measure to ensure that every senator's voice is heard and counted on such a consequential piece of legislation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, acknowledged the technical challenges but commended his colleagues for their cooperation and commitment to ensuring a transparent and inclusive voting process.
The adoption of manual voting also reflects broader concerns about the reliability of electronic voting systems in Nigeria's legislative chambers, which have occasionally experienced technical malfunctions during critical votes. Some senators expressed concerns that the device might fail at a crucial moment, potentially disenfranchising lawmakers and undermining the legitimacy of the vote. The decision to revert to manual voting has drawn mixed reactions from observers, with some praising the Senate for ensuring transparency and inclusivity, while others questioning the readiness and reliability of electronic voting systems in the legislature.
The State Police Bill has generated significant public interest, with various stakeholders, including governors, civil society organisations, security experts, and traditional rulers, weighing in on the proposed constitutional amendment. While some have voiced strong support for the bill, citing the failure of the federal police to effectively tackle security challenges across the country, others have expressed concerns about the potential for abuse, politicisation, and the financial burden of maintaining state police services. The bill has been described as one of the most consequential legislative proposals of the 10th Assembly, and its outcome could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria's security architecture and governance structure.
As the Senate proceeded with the manual voting process, the chamber was filled with a palpable sense of anticipation, with senators rising one after the other to declare their positions on the bill. The open voting process, which was televised live, provided a rare glimpse into the individual stances of lawmakers on a matter of national importance, allowing constituents to hold their elected representatives accountable. The decision to adopt manual voting underscores the Senate's commitment to transparency and accountability, even in the face of technical challenges. The outcome of the vote, once finalised, will determine the fate of the State Police Bill and shape the future of policing in Nigeria.
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