A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act, 2002 to make it mandatory for Nigerians of Maturity Age to Vote in all National and State Elections has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

The proposed legislation was sponsored by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and Daniel Asama Ago

Leading the debate during plenary on Thursday, Ago said the bill aimed to encourage citizens’ participation in the electoral process, noting that voter apathy during elections would be addressed if the bill scales legislative scrutiny.

Ago, who represents Bassa/Jos North under the Labour Party, believes mandatory voting can reduce the influence of vote buying.

The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, in his contribution believes this is a good step in the right direction.

He also cited examples of other countries such as Australia where the practice is upheld.

Some lawmakers argued that citizens have lost confidence in the voting system, and also question the authenticity of the voters register.

Similarly, a bill for an Act to amend the Labour Act, to increase the Maternity Leave period of working women to six months has been stepped down in the House of Representatives.

Hon Chike Okafor (Okigwe South/Imo/APC) who sponsored the bill was compelled to step it down after lawmakers including women, debated against it.

The lawmakers argued that increasing the maternity leave period from three to six months would put women in a disadvantaged position as employers would be wary of employing them.