Lawan Disappointed Me On E-Results Transmission, Says Ifeanyi Ubah

The candidate of the Young Progressives Party in the November 6
Anambra Governorship election, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, said he staged
a walk out of the Senate chamber on Thursday due to the attitude of
the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

Ubah, who is representing Anambra South Senatorial District, is
one of the 28 senators who abstained from the physical headcount
over the electronic transmission of election results.

He stated this on Saturday in a statement titled, ‘Setting the
records straight on electronic transmission of election results: My
Standpoint’.

He said the Senate President frustrated his efforts to raise a
point of order over the controversial issue.

He said, “In line with parliamentary practice, I walked out of
the Senate Chambers in protest to register my displeasure; hence my
absence during the voting session.

“Before walking out of the Senate Chambers, I didn’t fail to
tell the Senate President how disappointed I was by his action.

“It is my earnest belief that the use of technology in elections
can significantly improve the efficiency and transparency of
electoral conducts in Nigeria.

“Undoubtedly, the adoption of electronic transmission of
electoral results can serve as an effective/viable solution to the
chaotic, manipulative and violently disruptive process that has
characterized manual collation of votes in Nigeria.

“Furthermore, I have always consistently advocated that
electronic transmission of results directly from the polling unit
to INEC’s central server will significantly reduce rigging and
brazen manipulation of electoral results at collation centres.

“Conclusively, I wish to reassure my constituents and Nigerians
at large of my unwavering commitment to deepening Nigeria’s
democracy through the instrumentality of the Legislature.

“I will continue to support and fashion out legislative
interventions that will consolidate the democratic gains recorded
so far in Nigeria’s electoral process.

“For the purpose of clarity and people spreading misinformation
about my purported absence at the Senate Chambers on Thursday; July
15, 2021, please find attached a video of my appearance at the
plenary on the same Thursday.

” I wish to unequivocally state that I support and have at all
material times, supported the proposed amendment of the Electoral
Act to allow for the electronic transmission of results by
INEC.

“As a member of the Senate Committee on Independent National
Electoral Commission that reviewed the amendment Bill, I championed
the cause for the amendment of the Bill to allow INEC to transmit
results electronically in line with the wishes of my constituents
and my party the; young progressives party.

“During the Plenary, the Senate Leader moved for the
consideration of Business Rule 3 which was the INEC Committee
report and I rose under Order 43 to make a personal explanation
expressing my support for the electronic transmission of votes.

“Unfortunately, I was overruled by the Senate President and
denied the opportunity to express my view on the subject
matter.”

The candidate of the Young Progressives Party in the November 6
Anambra Governorship election, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, said he staged
a walk out of the Senate chamber on Thursday due to the attitude of
the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

Ubah, who is representing Anambra South Senatorial District, is
one of the 28 senators who abstained from the physical headcount
over the electronic transmission of election results.

He stated this on Saturday in a statement titled, ‘Setting the
records straight on electronic transmission of election results: My
Standpoint’.

He said the Senate President frustrated his efforts to raise a
point of order over the controversial issue.

He said, “In line with parliamentary practice, I walked out of
the Senate Chambers in protest to register my displeasure; hence my
absence during the voting session.

“Before walking out of the Senate Chambers, I didn’t fail to
tell the Senate President how disappointed I was by his action.

“It is my earnest belief that the use of technology in elections
can significantly improve the efficiency and transparency of
electoral conducts in Nigeria.

“Undoubtedly, the adoption of electronic transmission of
electoral results can serve as an effective/viable solution to the
chaotic, manipulative and violently disruptive process that has
characterized manual collation of votes in Nigeria.

“Furthermore, I have always consistently advocated that
electronic transmission of results directly from the polling unit
to INEC’s central server will significantly reduce rigging and
brazen manipulation of electoral results at collation centres.

“Conclusively, I wish to reassure my constituents and Nigerians
at large of my unwavering commitment to deepening Nigeria’s
democracy through the instrumentality of the Legislature.

“I will continue to support and fashion out legislative
interventions that will consolidate the democratic gains recorded
so far in Nigeria’s electoral process.

“For the purpose of clarity and people spreading misinformation
about my purported absence at the Senate Chambers on Thursday; July
15, 2021, please find attached a video of my appearance at the
plenary on the same Thursday.

” I wish to unequivocally state that I support and have at all
material times, supported the proposed amendment of the Electoral
Act to allow for the electronic transmission of results by
INEC.

“As a member of the Senate Committee on Independent National
Electoral Commission that reviewed the amendment Bill, I championed
the cause for the amendment of the Bill to allow INEC to transmit
results electronically in line with the wishes of my constituents
and my party the; young progressives party.

“During the Plenary, the Senate Leader moved for the
consideration of Business Rule 3 which was the INEC Committee
report and I rose under Order 43 to make a personal explanation
expressing my support for the electronic transmission of votes.

“Unfortunately, I was overruled by the Senate President and
denied the opportunity to express my view on the subject
matter.”