By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Senate on Wednesday voted in support of independent candidature in the on-going amendment of the 1999 constitution.
With this, candidates can vie for political offices without being a card carrying member of a political party.
Also, the Senate has voted against devolution of powers.
Recall that before now, political analysts have argued that too much power resides with the centre and therefore called for its devolution to the federating units. With the decision of the senate, it means the status quo will still subsist.
The red chamber which adopted the use of electronic voting, saw 46 senators voting in support while 48 voted against and one senator abstained from voting.
Earlier in the voting conducted for independent candidacy, the result of the voting shows that 82 voted in support while 5 voted against with 3 senators abstaining.
Sundiata Post recalls that the 1999 constitution has come under severe attack with many describing it as military contraption. While many argue that there was never a time Nigerians willfully write a constitution for themselves; hence the call for its amendment or absolute replacement.