The Senate has promised to reconsider the Diaspora Voting Bill this week.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti), dropped the hint at a virtual dialogue, organised by Engage Diaspora Foundation, in collaboration with the Directorate of Diaspora and International Affairs of his office.

The dialogue had “A Pivotal Step Toward Achieving Diaspora Voting Right” as its theme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ninth Senate had, in March 2022, rejected the bill.

The proposed legislation had sought to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow Nigerians abroad to vote and be voted for during elections.

“Nigerian citizens in the Diaspora have shown tremendous interest in participating in the electoral process. They make considerable contributions to the economy through huge financial remittances to the country.

“Diaspora voting is consistent with global best practices,” he said.

In his presentation, Bamidele, who was chief host/chief speaker, assured Nigerians overseas that the 10th Senate would put in more efforts to pass the bill this time around.

He added: “When you talk about Diaspora voting, it is a right; if anybody is granting you that right, it is not as if they are granting you any favour. It is your right.

“The essence of this fight is just to make sure that the right is recognised in our Constitution because the Constitution is the basis upon which every other thing rests.

The Constitution is the operational manual for both the government and the governed in our country. It is a right that must be recognised by our law, as enshrined in the Constitution.”

The lawmaker confirmed that the bill was already on the floor of the Senate, stating: “And exactly two Tuesdays ago, we had a first reading of the Diaspora Voting Bill.

“It passed the first reading and it was scheduled for the second. Definitely, I can assure you as the Leader of the Senate, we will be considering the second reading of the bill during this week.”

According to him, when that is done, the bill will be referred to the Constitution Review Committee, chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, with the Leader of the Senate as vice chairman.