The House of Representatives yesterday moved to abolish state electoral commissions to grant full autonomy to local governments.

The green chamber consolidated two bills each seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution to abolish the state electoral commission to ensure free and fair conduct of all elections.

During yesterday's plenary, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Rep. Albert Sam Tsokwa, moved the motion for the consolidation of the two bills which was adopted by the House before second reading and debate.

Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, who is sponsoring the bills, had argued that allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local government elections will ensure the independence and autonomy of the third tier of government.