February 21, (THEWILL) – The Presidency on Monday, accused “some interest groups” of cashing in on what they consider a delay in the signing of the Electoral Bill into law by the President to foment civil disorder and muddy the waters.
A statement issued on Monday by Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, slammed the groups and individuals, berating them for displaying high ignorance of Constitutional procedures in the signing of bills into law.
THEWILL earlier reported that 26 civil society organisations (CSOs), had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the electoral act amendment bill into law, describing it as a way to cause civil disorder and muddy the waters.
The groups had threatened mass protest on Tuesday, if by the end of Monday, 21st February, President Buhari still withholds assent to the bill.
The statement reads: “Some interest groups are cashing in on what they consider a delay in the signing of the Electoral Bill into law by the President to foment civil disorder and muddy the waters.
“One can just pity their ignorance of Constitutional requirements, as the President has a window of 30 days within which to sign the Bill, or decline assent, after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.
“It is on record that the amended Bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022, which means that the Executive could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the Constitution.
“A proposed legislation that has to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needs to be thoroughly scrutinised and be made as near-perfect as possible.
“Those playing cheap politics with it are, therefore, encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time.”
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