By Onome Oghenetega
A bill seeking for an act to alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution to Strengthen Political Parties Structures in Nigeria and Other Related Matters has scaled second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives.
The bill being sponsored by the member representing Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Efe Afe, had earlier passed first reading after its introduction.
Leading the debate on the bill, Hon. Afe, said the bill upon its passage will help strengthen the structure of political parties as well as regulate their activities to deepened democracy in the country.
According to the lawmaker, the bill proposed among other things, political parties would be expected to win at least 2 seats in the state assemblies before being allowed to field federal candidates so that only viable parties can participate in federal elections.
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The bill which was seconded by Hon. Miriam Onuoha was however opposed by Hon. Nkem Abonta who claimed that the Supreme Court ruling on the provision of political parties is sufficient.
The bill was voted for passed for second reading and referred to the Special Ad-Hoc Committee of the House on the Amendment of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, another bill being sponsored by Hon. Afe seeking for an act to alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to give legal backing to state security outfit to complement the Nigeria Police Force and other Related Matters has scaled through second reading in the House.
He stated that the bill seeks to provide community security outfits to assist the Nigeria Police in different communities in the country as pockets of violence seem to have overwhelmed and overstretched the police personnel.
Hon Afe further stated that the security needs of Nigeria cannot be left to measures that have proven to have less effect and many challenges.
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As a progressive parliament, he stated that the House needs to rise to the challenge using the legal and legislative backing of the constitution review for the benefit of Nigerians.
Hon Afe noted that the security challenges in the country must be tackled with the best template that would promote peace and tranquility across the country.
He further stressed that the House should alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to give legal backing to State Security Outfit to Complement the Nigeria Police Force
The bill was voted for and passed second reading and referred to Special Ad-Hoc Committee on the Constitution Review.
