The Unconstitutional Amendment of the National Assembly & Election Fraud

Prior to the National Assembly inauguration, Eyes on the Mandate featured a detailed article on the National Assembly electioneering process. The article was a reflection of NASS guidelines of both chambers on the electoral process which are enshrined in the Standing Orders of both Chambers. The article was published on 9^th June 2015 prior to the elections of the leadership of the National Assembly,so as to give citizens a view of the right process, when electing the Presiding Officers of the National Assembly. Therefore looking back at the process adopted by the 8th Assembly one can rightfully ascertain/say that the process was contrary to what is stipulated for in the Standing Order.

Electronic Voting in Nigerian Parliament

The leadership of the National Assembly is committed to #OpenNASS, we must commend them for that, and it takes courage and true leadership to do that. At this juncture, it is important to ask, what does #OpenNASS mean to Nigerians? What aspect of the National Assembly does #OpenNASS cover? Should we advocate #OpenNASS or #OpenLegislature? Going through trends it is easy to note that #OpenNASS means pay cut and transparency in the spending of the National Assembly to a lot people. 

                                          

At EOTM, we believe #OpenNASS should also translate to accountability and transparency on how our legislators vote on key issues and bills. In the spirit of #OpenNASS, constituents should have unhindered access to how their representatives represent them. I personally will like to know how my Senator or member voted on PIB bill, Sexual Offences bill, and an array of other bills. 

#OccupyNASS, #OccupyRMAFC or #OccupyBoth

Section 70 of the 1999 Constitution states that "A member of the Senate or the House of Representative shall receive such salary and other allowances as Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission determine"

Section 84(1) states that "There shall be paid to the holders of the offices mentioned in this section such as remuneration, salaries and allowances as may be prescribed by the National Assembly, but not exceeding the amount as shall have been determined by RMAFC". The Constitution goes further to mention the holders of such offices in Section 84(4) as the Executives, Judiciary, Chairmen and members of Executive bodies like Code of Conduct Bureau, Nigerian Police, INEC, RMAFC etc. Note that the Legislature is excluded from the list.