E-Transmission: Why I brought my first son to Protest – Amaechi

Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday joined protesters at the National Assembly in Abuja to oppose the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, describing the move as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Amaechi’s appearance at the protest drew attention not only because of his status as a former cabinet minister but also because he arrived with his first son, a medical doctor, whom he said he deliberately brought along to counter public criticism and ensure safety during the demonstration.

Addressing protesters and journalists at the National Assembly complex, Amaechi said the decision to bring his son was meant to demonstrate personal commitment to the cause and dispel claims that political leaders encourage protests while shielding their families from perceived risks.

“There are those who say politicians call for protests while their children are abroad. Here is my first son. I brought him to join this protest. He is a medical doctor and his responsibility is to attend to anyone who may be injured”, Amaechi said.

The former governor said peaceful protest remains a legitimate democratic tool and called for wider public participation to compel lawmakers to reverse their decision.

“We need to mobilise more than this. If we mobilise 100,000 people, the police here cannot stop us. They are not up to 1,000,” he added.

The protest followed growing outrage over the Senate’s decision to exclude a provision mandating real time electronic transmission of results from polling units in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act.

The House of Representatives had earlier passed a version of the bill making such transmission compulsory.

Opposition parties, civil society organisations and election observers argue that real time electronic transmission would reduce manipulation at collation centres and strengthen the credibility of future elections.

The disagreement between the two chambers has since intensified public pressure on the National Assembly, with protesters demanding that lawmakers restore the provision before the harmonised bill is forwarded to the president for assent.

Amaechi warned that failure to address the concerns of Nigerians could further erode public trust in the electoral process, stressing that electoral reforms are critical to the survival of democracy.

“This is about protecting the votes of Nigerians and ensuring that their choices are respected,” he said.

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.