The House of Representatives has passed for a second reading a bill making it compulsory for every Nigerian citizen who is eighteen years and above to Vote in all National and State Elections.
The Bill Sponsored by the Speaker House of Representatives Dr. Abbas Tajudeen and Daniel Asama seek to mandate all Nigerians to obtain voter card and to compulsorily participate during any election.
According to the Sponsors of the Bill, when passed into law will encourage participation of Nigerians in the nation’s electoral processes thereby improving the country’s democratic system.
During debate in the floor of the House, the proponents emphasized the need to put in place measures that will make the citizens to be actively involved in all electoral processes particularly during elections.
While those who opposed to the bill remarked that citizen’s inactive participation in elections were as a result of lack of confidence in the nation’s electoral process.
After debates, the bill was subjected to voice votes and was referred to relevant committees for further legislative action.