The Senate on Wednesday resolved to adopt manual voting for the consideration of the state police bill after its electronic voting device developed a technical fault.
The decision followed concerns among lawmakers that some senators could be disenfranchised if the chamber proceeded with the faulty device.
Under the arrangement, senators will stand individually, announce their names, and openly declare their positions on the proposed state police framework.
Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate leader, moved the motion for the adoption of manual voting.
“There is the need to also ensure transparency both within ourselves as people who will be performing this major constitutional responsibility, as well as members of the public,” Bamidele said.
“Rather than go by way of electronic voting, which obviously is not the case today, and disenfranchise a few of our colleagues whose machines are not working.
“I am moving that we give every distinguished senator the opportunity to answer his or her father’s name by doing manual voting.”
Abba Moro, the minority leader, seconded the motion.
Lawmakers said the procedure would ensure that no senator is excluded from the voting process while making each lawmaker’s position known to constituents.
Senate Reverses Decision, Admits Governors Into Chamber
Earlier, the Senate reversed its decision and approved the admission of governors and other senior government officials into the chamber for deliberations on the state police bill.
The request was initially rejected when it was subjected to a voice vote.
Under Senate rules, only senators are ordinarily permitted on the floor of the chamber, while visitors and non-members observe proceedings from the gallery.
The development briefly delayed proceedings as invited governors and senior officials were already waiting at the entrance to the chamber.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently appealed to lawmakers to reconsider the matter.
Akpabio said the constitutional amendment process would ultimately require approval from state houses of assembly, making it important for governors and other stakeholders to follow the debate closely.
He also noted that the proposed legislation originated from the executive arm of government and that many of the invited guests were executive officials.
Following the appeal, Bamidele moved a fresh motion seeking the suspension of Order 12 of the Senate rules on floor privileges to allow the visitors into the chamber as strangers.
Those admitted included Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president; Uba Sani, Kaduna State governor; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State governor; and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State governor.
Barau Jibrin, deputy Senate president, supported the motion and commended Akpabio for what he described as inclusive leadership.
Jibrin said allowing the officials into the chamber would promote broader participation in the consideration of the state police proposal.
The Senate subsequently approved the motion, paving the way for the governors and other invited officials to witness the proceedings.
