CARD READERS TO BE USED FOR ACCREDITATION IN FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS-- JEGA

The Independent National Electoral Commission, says card readers will be used for accreditation in the forthcoming elections to improve credibility in the electoral process and reduce incidences of rigging.

Chairman of INEC, Attahiru Jega, stated this when he appeared before the senate to explain his commission's preparedness in conducting the rescheduled general elections.

Professor Jega explained that despite some inadequacies, the card readers  will be used in the forthcoming elections, adding that any other postponement will be unconstitutional.

Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega

The INEC Chairman who noted that the card reader may be imperfect, said there will be room for replacement if any such occasion arises and any time lost reallocated. 

Professor Jega however insisted that Temporary Voters' Cards will not be used because of cases of multiple registration and electoral offences.

‎HOUSE TO PASS PETROLEUM INDUSTRY BILL BEFORE END OF 7TH ASSEMBLY

Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal has expressed optimism that the ‎House will pass the Petroleum Industry Bill before the end of the 7th Assembly.

In his remarks to welcome members back from their break Honourable Tambuwal also promised the expeditious passage of the 2015 budget and the electoral Act to accommodate internally displaced people. 

While describing the postponement of the general elections earlier scheduled for February as unfortunate, the Speaker ‎called on government to make effort to restore public confidence in the entire process as well as its commitment to free, fair and credible elections.

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Speaker House of Representatives of Nigeria.

Tambuwal who called on the relevant agencies to check the rising incidence of inflammatory speeches intended to intimidate people into voting candidates of their choice also called on Nigerians to resist forces seeking to truncate democracy.

Meanwhile the House has adopted the reports of the resolution of the state Houses of Assembly on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution following the presentation of the report by the Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha at plenary

Six members of the House defected from the People's Democratic Party  parties to other parties.