Indications have emerged that the House of Representatives might probe the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over its plan to create an additional 30, 000 polling units across the country..

Chairman of INEC, Attahiru Jega, had announced the plan to create more 21, 615 polling units in the North, and 8, 412 polling units in the South, bring the total number of polling units in the country to 150, 000.

Stakeholders and various groups have, however, resisted what they perceive as an unrealistic and disproportionate allocation between the two regions, calling for a review of the proposal.

Jega has defended the commission’s stand, saying that those criticising the plan do not have clear understanding of the processes involved while explaining that the allocation to the North which is more than double that of the south is due to the fact that the former has a higher number of registered voters.

The electoral body said it targets a maximum of 500 registered voters per polling unit in the forthcoming election year.

Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Victor Ogene, told journalists Sunday that the committee on Electoral Matters would interface with various aggrieved interest groups and INEC with a view to avert any form of crisis ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

“It (the meeting) will create opportunity for them to brief the House appropriately and for us to take informed decision on resumption (from their two months long recess),” Ogene said.

On another note, he informed that the House will ensure speedy consideration of some crucial pending legislation such as the Asset Forfeiture Bill which will enable Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies confiscate properties derived from unlawful activities and the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, upon resumption.

Others bills awaiting consideration in the House are a proposed legislation seeking to “regulate” tobacco production, packaging and promotional activities; constitution amendment amongst others.