The Senate on Wednesday resolved to adopt manual voting for the consideration of the landmark state police bill after the chamber’s electronic voting system suffered a technical malfunction.
The decision to discard the electronic system followed concerns among lawmakers that some senators could be disenfranchised if the chamber proceeded with the faulty devices.
Under the manual voting arrangement, senators are required to stand individually, announce their names, and openly declare their positions on the proposed constitutional amendment.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion for the adoption of the manual procedure, citing the need for total transparency in the constitutional amendment process.
“There is the need to ensure transparency both within ourselves as people that 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 [working] 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.”
The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
Lawmakers noted that the open division would not only prevent any senator from being excluded but would also make each legislator’s stance on the contentious security bill clear to their respective constituents.
### Senate Reverses Floor Ban, Admits Governors
Prior to the voting, the Senate reversed an earlier decision and approved the admission of several governors and senior government officials into the chamber to observe the deliberations.
The request to admit the visitors was initially rejected when it was put to a voice vote. Under Senate rules, only lawmakers are ordinarily permitted on the floor of the chamber, while visitors and non-members must observe proceedings from the gallery.
The initial rejection temporarily stalled proceedings, leaving the invited governors and executive officials waiting at the entrance to the chamber.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, appealing to lawmakers to reconsider the decision. Akpabio argued that because any constitutional amendment establishing state police requires subsequent approval from at least two-thirds of the state houses of assembly, it was critical for governors to follow the debate closely.
He also noted that the proposed legislation originated from the executive arm, making the presence of executive officials highly relevant.
Following Akpabio’s appeal, Bamidele moved a fresh motion seeking the suspension of Order 12 of the Senate Rules, which governs floor privileges, to admit the visitors as “strangers.”
Those subsequently admitted to the floor included Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin supported the motion, commending Akpabio for his inclusive leadership. Jibrin noted that allowing the officials into the chamber would promote broader participation and collaboration on the proposed state police framework.
