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Says governors have power over procedures
BY AHMED TUKUR, LAFIA – The Chairman of Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC), Barrister Ayuba Wandai, says governors are constitutionally empowered to approve procedures for conducting local government elections in their respective states.
Consequently, NASIEC will defer to Governor Abdullahi Sule in executing its mandate of conducting a free and fair Councils’ polls in the state.
According to him, the Commission has already forwarded its proposed rules and procedures to the Governor for assent, adding that when eventually signed into law, Nasarawa State will be the first to comply with required constitutional provisions in the country.
To support his position, Wandai said; “The commission is also empowered by section 204 (1) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) with approval of the governor, by rules or otherwise, regulate its own procedure or confer powers or impose duties on any officer or authority for the purpose of discharging its duties.
“In line with the above provisions, the commission has forwarded rules of procedure tagged NASIEC regulation 2021 to the governor for approval.”
Speaking at a two day training workshop for staff and members of the Commission, titled: “Conduct of a credible election into Local Government Councils”, Barrister Wandai said the machinery has been set in motion to ensure a smooth and hitch-free the exercise.
The current tenure of Councils’ Chairmen and Councillors will expire in May 2021. However, the polls earlier scheduled for February 2021 in the State was postponed due to paucity of funds.
He explained that NASIEC will conduct the election in line with statutory provisions while also ensuring a level playing field for all the candidates and parties.
“The need for free, fair and credible election devoid of rancor and ill feelings has become more paramount”, he said, assuring that NASIEC will justify the confidence repose on its members
In his remarks, the state Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe said the workshop was organised in line with the State Government’s determination to uphold the tenets of democracy.
He said the workshop therefore serves as knowledge bank on election management techniques and morale booster for all participants
