Date: 2013-06-14

A bill seeking the amendment of Kwara State Local Government Electoral Law has passed through second reading at the State House of Assembly.
The bill seeks to amend the time frame regarding the notice, submission and changing of candidate names by political parties.
If the bill is passed into law, notice of the date of election will be 90 days against the 150 days in the principal law; submission of candidate names will be within 60 days as against 120 days in the principal law, while the changing or submission of candidates is within 30 days against 60 days contained in the principal law.
Motion for the second reading of the bill was moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon Abdulkareem Abdulganiyu and seconded by the Chief Whip, Hon Liman Shaidu.
Leading debate on the bill, the House Leader noted that the bill sought for the amendment of election time framework in relation to notice and date of election, submission of candidate names and changing of candidate names by political parties ahead of 2013 council elections, which holds later in the year in the state.
Abdulganiyu, who represents Share/Oke-Ode constituency, described the bill as straightforward and non-controversial, urging his colleagues to give support to the amendment bill for the assembly's legislative consideration and passage.
To Dr. Abraham Ashaolu, who represents Oke-Ero Constituency, the bill would make the state council election more economical and democratic, commending the state government for adhering to the constitutional provisions on amendment of electoral law.
Hon Hassan Oyeleke, an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) member who represents Essa/Sawo/Igbodun constituency said the amendment bill if adequately implemented after its passage by the House, would address some of the contentious issues experienced in the last local government election in the state.
Other members who contributed to the debate were Hon. Adamu Sabi (Okuta/Yashikira Constituency), Hon. Suleiman Sunoboro (Ilesha/Gwanara Constituency), Hon. Kamaldeen Fagbemi (Oke-Ogun Constituency) and Hon. Tope Olayonu who represents Ojomu/Balogun Constituency.
The Deputy Speaker, Prof Mohammed Gana Yisa who presided at the plenary had referred the bill to the House Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Public Service and Judiciary for further legislative actions.
Meanwhile, the House has urged its Committee on Energy, Works and Transport to work with relevant government agencies to ensure that Boriya and Shiya in Baruten Local Government are connected to the national grid.
This was sequel to the report of House Committee on Energy, Works and Transport on a matter of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Adamu Sabi on lack of electricity supply to the communities.