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.
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.”
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