By KENNETH DARENG
THE proposal by 35 members of the House of Representatives to adopt a 6-year single term for the President and Governors has sparked intense debate across Nigeria. The proposed bill aims to promote equal representation, reduce agitation for new states, and amend the Constitution to recognize Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. The bill also proposes the creation of two Vice Presidents, one from the southern and northern parts of Nigeria, and the rotation of executive powers among the six geo-political zones.
Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the spokesman for the group, stated, “To amend the Constitution to provide for a single tenure of 6 years for the President and Governors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, amend the Constitution to create the office of two Vice Presidents from the southern and northern parts of Nigeria. The 1st Vice President shall be a succession vice, while the second Vice President shall be a Minister in charge of the Economy and both shall be Ministers.”
He further noted, “Constitutional amendment to provide that, the President and the 1st Vice President shall come from the same part of the country [north or south], and the 1st Vice President shall become the President whenever the President becomes incapacitated, the V.P [succession], takes over.”
However, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the proposal, particularly the conduct of presidential, governorship, national and state houses of assembly elections on the same day. The different election cycles of various states, such as Anambra, Imo, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun, could create constitutional problems. For instance, some states have off-season elections, which would need to be harmonized with the proposed single election day.
Moreover, the proposal’s focus on rotation of presidency and governance model may not have a significant impact on the average Nigerian struggling with poverty, hunger and disease. The country’s political class needs a change of orientation, strong character, and selfless service to drive meaningful change. The proposal’s emphasis on a single term for the president and governors may not necessarily lead to better governance. A more comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of Nigeria’s challenges is necessary.
The nation has seen over the years since the return to democratic rule that those who have occupied the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have not brought any significant changes on the zones they came from. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo ruled for 8 years, the South West has remained where it was.
The same with the late Shehu Yar’Adua whose north is home to insecurity while Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure did not change the status of the people of the South-South who are up till today crying over oil pollution over their land and water ways and marginalisation. Buhari’s 8-year tenure ended without providing lasting solutions to the heightened kidnappings, banditry and terrorists attacks in the north east zone.
Furthermore, with the present administration under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the same voices of agitations from the south west keeps re-echoing from the Afenifere and other Yoruba ethnic groups seeking to address some fundamental issues affecting the zone. The big question is, can a single 6-year tenure for the president and the governors be the magic wand to solving the nation’s current socio-economic woes? The answer is a resounding ‘No’.
The proposal’s emphasis on a single term for the president and governors may not necessarily lead to better governance. A more comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of Nigeria’s challenges, such as endemic/chronic corruption in the highest levels of government, is very necessary. The National Assembly should prioritize measures that promote good governance, reduce inequality and enhance the rule of law.
While the proposal by the 35 House of Representatives members is a step towards reform, it falls short of addressing the nation’s pressing issues. A more concrete vision for the future of the country is needed, rather than an academic exercise that leads to one debate after another. The National Assembly members should take a serious look at themselves and propose measures that can take the nation out of its current misery. Here, they must once again take a very deep and selfless look at their fat salaries and emoluments in the face of the suffering plaguing the country.
The country needs a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of its challenges. The proposal’s focus on rotation of presidency and governance model may not have a significant impact on the average Nigerian struggling with poverty, hunger, and disease. The political class needs a change of orientation, strong character and selfless service to drive meaningful change.
The National Assembly members should prioritize measures that address the cost of governance, reduce inequality, and promote good governance. A part-time single legislature for the country could be a more effective solution.
What the country really needs is a more comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of its challenges as bad governance, and nepotism have continued to hinder Nigeria’s progress and development.
