Chairman Senate Committee on Electoral Matters Senator Simon Bako Lalong (APC, Plateau South) has met with his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Rep. Adebayo Balogun to share ideas on how to synergise for effective legislative engagement and oversight.
Rep Balogun who visited Senator Lalong in his office said the aim of the visit was to familiarise with him after his deployment to oversee the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters.
He briefed Senator Lalong on issues that have been on the burner for the Committee as well as some actions that are being taken to address them.
Adebayo congratulated Senator Lalong on his appointment and said the Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters will benefit immensely from his vast knowledge and experience having been active within the electoral system for a long time.
Senator Lalong welcomed his counterpart from the House of Representatives and said he was impressed by what the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters has done so far.
While assuring him of collaboration and synergy, Senator Lalong reaffirmed his commitment to working with all stakeholders in addressing key issues that will enhance transparency, accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The two further held more discussions behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, the Senator Lalong has met with Executive Director and Board Secretary of YIAGA AFRICA, Samson Itodo, one of the leading civil society organisations promoting participatory democracy, human rights and civic participation in Nigeria and the continent.
Accompanied by his team, Itodo said they were at the national assembly to congratulate Senator Lalong over his new appointment as well as open up engagements towards mutual collaboration.
He said the experience accumulated by Senator Lalong over the years in the Legislature, Executive and legal profession comes in handy for this new assignment.
The Executive Director explained that YIAGA AFRICA has continued to work with all stakeholders in addressing reform needs that will make the nation’s electoral process very strong.
Itodo said some issues that have been tabled for reforms include early voting, resolving election disputes before swearing in, requirements for voting, prison inmate voting, review of results declared under duress and how to protect the reforms achieved over the years among others.
Senator Lalong appreciated the visit and said he was happy to work with YIAGA AFRICA which has demonstrated its passion and commitment for democratic growth in the country and Africa at large.
Lalong said said so far the brief he has received indicates that so much work has been done, assuring that he will play his part in ensuring that Nigeria improves the electoral system to make Nigerians confident in building democratic culture.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Special Adviser Media to Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Plateau South Senatorial District.
15th May 2025.
