Reps in rowdy session over electronic transmission of election results

Things fell apart on Thursday after Deputy Speaker Idris Wase ruled against electronic transmission of results despite a resounding vote in favour of electronic transmission.

Plenary on Thursday continued its deliberations on the amendment of section 52(3) of the electoral act amendment bill, with Honourable Wase chairing the session instead of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila who is on the floor of the House.

The new amendment provides that INEC may consider electronic transmission so far the national network coverage is adjudged to be adequate and secure by Nigeria Communication Commission and approved by the National Assembly.

Having taken quite a while to deliberate on the matter, the lawmakers voted orally, and the Deputy Speaker clanged the gavel ruling against electronic transmission of results despite a resounding chorus in support of E-Transmission.

After a while calm was restored in the House and deliberations continued with some congressmen calling for a proper division on the matter.

Another round of votes was called for and again the Deputy Speaker, despite a resounding vote in favour of an amendment for manual and electronic transmission of results, ruled against ayes, sending the House into yet another frenzy.

This time it proved almost impossible for the House to be called to order, but decorum returned after a while.

A motion to suspend consideration and revert to plenary was moved and seconded, but lawmakers voted against it.

When the motion for the House to revert to plenary was moved it was also rejected by members. Plunging the House into another rowdy session.

RovingNaija reports that some semblance of normalcy was eventually restored when the speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila took to his sit to move a motion for the House to adjourn till 10:00am on Friday when the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and NCC (Executive Vice Chairman, Umar Dambatta) are to brief the house on section 52. (With reports from Channels TV).