March 16, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has said it is considering the options of going to court to resolve the electoral act impasse following National Assembly’s refusal to consider the request of President Muhammadu Buhari to delete section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), made this position known on Wednesday after the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo.
Malami explained the responsibilities of the different arms of government as enshrined in the constitution saying while it is the responsibility of the legislators to legislate, the federal government will not hesitate to explore all the options available to it if it becomes vitally necessary.
He however said the government was yet to take a conclusive position concerning what it will do on the matter.
Malami’s reaction followed the rejection by the National Assembly to expunged Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, after the leadership of the two chambers assured the president that once he signed the Act into law, the controversial clause woud be deleted.
The controversial clause restricts sitting cabinet members from contesting for elective offices without resigning.
Raising his grouse, the president had said, “Section 84 (12) constitutes a disenfranchisement of serving political office holders from voting or being voted for at Conventions or Congresses of any political party, for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election in cases where it holds earlier than 30 days to the National Election”.
However, the national assembly unanimously rejected further alteration after the president had signed it into law.
Malami said going to court is still an option for the government.
Speaking on the extradition request by the United States government concerning embattled DCP Abba Kyari, Malami rued what he called misconception of the issue.
While arguing that the request was still being processed by the authorities, he clarified that there exists a general misunderstanding created around the issue by the media.
He implored the media to always endeavour to get a grip of the facts to avoid creating confusion.
