STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT; SEN NED NWOKO SHARES BENEFITS OF DIASPORA VOTING BILL TO YOUNG NIGERIANS IN CANADA
On the occasion of the 63rd Nigeria Independence Anniversary celebration by young Nigerians in Toronto, Canada, the Special Assistant to Senator Ned Nwoko on Policy Mr Chuks Anyaduba met with the group in downtown Toronto Canada and introduced to them, the proposed bill for diaspora voting as championed by senator Ned Nwoko. .
The meeting served as a crucial platform to inform and empower Nigerians in Canada about the benefits of diaspora voting. By providing comprehensive information, addressing concerns, and sharing copies of the bill proposal, the event successfully encouraged the diaspora community to actively participate in shaping Nigeria’s future through democratic means. The sense of unity, purpose, and shared responsibility was palpable throughout the meeting, indicating a promising future for diaspora engagement in Nigerian elections.
This bill addresses the painful disenfranchisement of Nigerians in Diaspora from partaking in the electoral process of their fatherland. The bill seek to alter sections 48, 49, 71, 72, 77 and 117 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered), to provide for diaspora voting with increased number of Senatorial districts from the hitherto 109 to 113 Senatorial Districts, with four Senatorial Districts each designated to the Americas (South America, North America and Canada); Europe; Asia and Australia; and Africa. Increase the number of Constituencies in the House of Representatives from 360 to 376, with new 16 Constituencies of 4 each being designated to one diaspora Senatorial District for Nigerians in Diaspora. The bill will also spells out voting qualifications and eligibility for Nigerian citizens in diaspora.
Chuks Anyaduba reiterated the position of Senator Ned Nwoko that diaspora voting stands as a global wave of electoral reform embraced by numerous progressive nations. Surprisingly, Nigeria, the giant of Africa and the world’s most populous black nation, has not yet adopted this transformative practice. The Nigeria diaspora, filled with ardent desire and huge contribution to diaspora remittances, passionately seeks the opportunity to actively engage in the electoral processes and governance of their homeland.
Chuks Anyaduba
*SA on Policy*
