Reps reject bill seeking rotation of presidency among geopolitical zones

The bill, which is sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, was rejected by lawmakers during Tuesday’s plenary.

The house also rejected a bill sponsored by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, seeking to strip the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its powers to register and regulate political parties.

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Other bills rejected by the green chamber include a bill to create the office of state auditor-general for local governments and the federal capital territory area councils; a bill to ensure the number of judges at the federal high court is not less than 100; a bill to empower the National Judicial Council to determine and review, in collaboration with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the salaries, allowances, and other emoluments of judicial officers and judiciary staff; and a bill to create Ughelli east LGA in Delta state.

Of all the rejected bills, only the one on zoning was debated.

Leading the debate, Kalu said the bill would promote inclusivity across the federation.

“This will enable every part of this country to contribute to the national leadership of this country,” he said.

“There is no region that does not have capable people who can lead. It would increase national cohesion and national unity. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.”

Sani Madaki, a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and deputy minority leader, rejected the bill, saying zoning should be a political party affair.

Ali Isa, the minority whip, endorsed the bill, noting that it would address marginalisation and promote fairness.

Clement Jimbo, a lawmaker from Akwa Ibom, backed the bill, arguing that it would “cure an age-long injustice” in the country, predominantly minority zones that may not have the chance to rule.

Mohammed el-Rufai from Kaduna said the bill could violate Nigerians’ constitutional rights to run for president.

After the debate, Kalu called for a voice vote on the bill, including the ones that were not debated, but lawmakers voted against them.

Following the rejection, Francis Waive, chairman of the house committee on rules and business, raised a point of order requesting that the rejected bills be considered individually.

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Consequently, the house resolved that a motion should be proposed by the committee for the rescission of its decision.

The committee on rules and business appears not to have checked the records before scheduling the bills on the order paper.