Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila says he is not aware of ‘threats’ to override President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto as regards to the amendment electoral bill.
Mr Buhari who rejected the legislation cited direct primary clause inserted into the bill. He said the section violates the spirit of democracy.
Hours after his letter was read to the two chambers of the national assembly on why he withheld his assent, media reports said lawmakers were plotting on overriding the president’s veto for the bill to become law.
The two chambers need at least two-third members from each house for such plans to materialise but such is not feasible because members will definitely vote along party lines.
Aside the domination of the president’s party at the national assembly, some governors are reported to have warned federal lawmakers from their states against participating in such plots.
Most of the state helmsmen are of the opinion that it will amount to embarrassing the Nigerian leader should the lawmakers proceed with their plan.
“I’m not aware of any such threats to override the president’s decision; at least not in my chambers,” Mr Gbajabiamila told State House Correspondents after meeting with the president Friday evening. “We’re on a break right now. So, the collection of signatures is not something that is done when everybody’s scattered.
“I made it abundantly clear at our last sitting that we will look at the president’s veto and his reasons when we come back on. It’s not something we’re going to do on a knee jerk.
“When we come back from our recess — there’s still ample time — we will decide one way or the other. We will do what is right for the Nigerian people.
“I made it very clear that we’re not going to throw away the baby with the bathwater. The electoral law is what a credible electoral process needs and laws are what are required at this time. Nigerians want it and Nigerians will get it.
“By the time we come back, at least as far as the house and I’m sure the senate as well is concerned, it will be the first thing on our agenda — the very week we come back from recess,” he added.
