2019 Elections: We’ll Take Immediate Action On EU Report – Lawan, Gbajabiamila

The leadership of the 9th National Assembly has received the final report of the European Union Observation Mission on the 2019 general elections, just as it promised to act on some of the 30 recommendations contained in the report.

The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, and Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, received the EU Observers at their offices on Tuesday where the group presented its final report on the last general elections to the NASS leadership.

The EU Observers’ report, which was presented last Saturday in Abuja, noted among things, lack of transparent electoral process, violence and harassment of voters during the February 23 and March 9 presidential and governorship elections in the country.

Speaking when he received the group in his office, Lawan promised that the NASS leadership will commence immediate action on some of the recommendations.

The Senate President said priority will be given especially to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to ensure that future elections are more credible and acceptable.

“I am sure that this time around, we will start considering those issues that we feel require urgent legislative intervention,” said Lawan.

Responding, one of the EU officials said: “Of these 30 recommendations, the majority of them involve legal reforms, therefore, of course, we look to the National Assembly to take the initiative of having an inclusive debate and conversation and moving these recommendations forward and what we see from around the world is that it is critical that this starts early.”

Also speaking when the group visited him, Speaker Gbajabiamila similarly promised that attention would be given to necessary areas in the report.