A bill for the establishment of the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission, NILGEC, has scaled first reading in the Senate.
The body will be saddled with the responsibility of conducting elections for the 774 local governments in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
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To achieve this, the Constitution will need to be amended.
The bill, “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)” was sponsored by Chairman, Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East).
The proposed NILGEC shall consist of a Chairperson and six commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate,
The chairperson and commissioners shall serve for a term of five years, renewable once.
According to the bill, the NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference and the Commission shall have its budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence.
LG autonomy
A bill to this effect is coming barely a week after the Supreme Court barred the 36 governors of the federation from further retaining or utilizing funds that are meant for the 774 local government areas in the country.
The apex court had ruled that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to continue to receive and seize funds allocated to LGs in their states.
According to the bill, the Sections are “Establishment of NILGEC: The National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) is hereby established as an autonomous body mandated to organize, oversee, and conduct elections for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors across all states.”
The functions and powers of NILGEC are “To conduct free, fair, and transparent elections for local government chairman and councillors.
“To prepare and maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter register.
“To ensure voter education and public awareness regarding the electoral process.
“To set and enforce electoral guidelines and regulations for Local Government elections.
“To recruit and train electoral officers and staff for efficient election management.
“To monitor and supervise all electoral activities and processes.
“To investigate and adjudicate electoral disputes and grievances.”
NILGEC members
On the Composition of NILGEC, the document read, “NILGEC shall consist of a Chairperson and six commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
“The Chairperson and Commissioners shall serve for a term of five years, renewable once.”
According to the bill, on Independence and Autonomy: “NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference. The Commission shall have its own budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence.”
The bill also stipulates that on Electoral Process and Procedures: “NILGEC shall develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and the conduct of elections.
“NILGEC shall ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics for the smooth conduct of elections.”
On the election timeline: “NILGEC shall announce the election schedule at least six months before the date of the election. Elections for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors shall be conducted every four years.”
Stipulating the Electoral Offenses and Penalties, the bill said, “NILGEC shall define and enforce penalties for electoral offences, including but not limited to voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and electoral violence.
“Offenders shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the laws of the land.”
On collaboration with other agencies, the bill read: “NILGEC shall collaborate with other relevant government agencies, security forces, and civil society organizations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process.
“Transitional Provisions: Upon the establishment of NILGEC, all powers and functions related to the conduct of Local Government elections previously vested in any other body or authority shall be transferred to NILGEC.”
On Commencement: “This Bill shall come into effect upon its passage by the National Assembly and assent by the President.” (Vanguard)
