According to a report by SaharaReporters, it was a chaotic session
at the plenary of the Senate on Wednesday during deliberations on
allegations that there was use of “extreme military force” during the
2019 elections.
Dino Melaye, the senator representing Kogi West in the National
Assembly, had raised a motion alleging the militarisation of the
elections, as well as the “inconsistent application of electoral laws by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)”.
Seven other lawmakers — senators Mao Ohabunwa (Abia North), Samuel
Anyanwu (Imo East), Ahmed Ogembe (Kogi Central), Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi
Central), Matthew Uroghide (Edo South), Clifford Ordia (Edo Central)
Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti South) — supported the motion.
According to the motion, the lawmakers expressed concerns that
“this extreme militarization of a democratic electoral process and the
inconsistent application of electoral laws by INEC in matters of
national elections pose serious threats to our democracy, and has
serious implications that must be nipped in the bud”.
Tempers flayed during the debate as the senators, based on their
party loyalties, shouted at one another and almost came to exchanging
blows, but for the intervention of Senate President Bukola Saraki.
“Those contributing must restrict themselves to the prayers in the motion,” he said.
After much deliberations on the issue, the Senate resolved to “condemn
the massive use of military forces in the national electoral process of
the nation; urge INEC to ensure the unrestricted and consistent
application of all electoral laws without bias to a candidate or a party
in all elections; direct the Senate Committee on INEC to investigate
all perceived inconsistent application of electoral laws by INEC in 2019
elections".
They also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “give assent to
the recent Amendment to the Electoral Act to ensure a level playing
field and adoption of equal standards in national elections for a strong
and peaceful democracy in Nigeria”.
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