Debate Bill sponsor expresses disappointment

The House of Representatives member who sponsored the failed Debate Commission Bill, which would make public debates mandatory for key candidates before elections has revealed his disappointment with the level of opposition the proposal faced.

Speaking in Abuja, Femi Gbajabiamila of the Action Congress (AC), Lagos, said he expected his colleagues to move beyond “primordial sentiments” and compel aspirants to hold publicised discussions and arguments before going to the polls.

“It is unfortunate that members of the House did not appreciate the Bill,” he said. “It is unacceptable that what the country could talk about at election time are only campaign jingles and posters for a country of 150 million people.”

The Bill sought the establishment of a commission to regulate and organise debates for persons aspiring to be president, vice president, governors, deputy governors, senators and members of the National Assembly.

No debate

On Wednesday November 4 2009, members of the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted against a second reading for the Bill, preventing it from being passed into law.

Bala Na’allah, from Kebbi State, had in fact made a remark which implied that such debates are unnecessary since elections in the country can always be won without the support of the electorate.

Mr. Gbajabiamila, who is the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, said that there was no doubt that televised debates would “force political parties to present the best candidates which would in turn engender qualitative representation.”

Blind voting

“How do you know who you are voting for? It is by observing, by debates, by pitching contestants against each other in a civilised manner. Questions are asked without prepared speech. We have seen this done in many countries. Whether it is Obama or Fashola, people take a second look at their performance.

“I believe that the right to vote and have your votes counted is not earned simply by you going to vote and casting your votes. There are other appendages attached to it one of which is that your vote and choice be informed.”

Some rules of the House permit unsuccessful proposals to be amended and presented and the sponsor of the Debates Bill said he will explore such opportunities to get it back on the floor of the House.

Mr. Gbajabiamila said the key was to remain objective. “Hopefully, they will begin to understand that for us to move forward in this country, we should present our best all the time,” he said. “Electoral reform does not begin and end with amendment of the Electoral Act.”