attempt to redefine the Electoral Act to allow Nigerians in the diaspora vote
during national elections.
The Lawmakers, on Thursday, denied a second reading to an amendment bill
seeking voting right for Nigerians in the diaspora, citing insufficient information on
the bill.
Some members said the bill was dropped on technicalities to forestall an
imminent defeat, and to allow a possible reintroduction on a later date. However,
it was clear that the majority of the legislators were opposed to the bill’s passage
on account of the cost of the ambitious policy.
The effort had been championed by the House committee on Diaspora, led by
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who for months sought to garner scarce support to get the
amendment through. A successful review of the Act will authorise voting centres
to be set up for Nigerians in other countries during general polls. Proponents of
the amendment argue that such participation remains a fundamental right of
every Nigerian of voting age.
Dabiri-Erewa argued that Nigerians abroad deserve the opportunity to vote,
considering the over $20 billion in remittances they contribute to the Nigerian
economy.
“I am begging so that we can allow these distinguished Nigerians the opportunity
to exercise their rights,” the lawmaker said.
However, majority of the lawmakers doused that concern, arguing that the cost
and logistics of the policy outweighs current federal capacity.
“In as much as I appreciate the spirit of this bill, the question is, are we ready for
this now?” asked the deputy House Leader, Leo Ogor. “The answer is, we are
not there yet although we are improving. The financial implication for this may
turn out to be worse than the oil subsidy.”
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........yu already no that 
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