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Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Lawmakers push for single six-year presidential term

Bill Proposes Rotational Presidency to Enhance National Unity and Reduce Governance Costs

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In a bold legislative move, 35 members of In a bold legislative move, 35 members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have introduced a bill advocating for a single six-year term for the President and state governors. The bill, presented on Monday, also proposes the rotation of the presidency among the country’s six geopolitical zones.

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The legislators, operating under the banner of Reformed-minded Legislators, argue that the initiative would significantly reduce the cost of governance. Spokesperson for the group, Ikenga Ugochinyere, highlighted the potential benefits during a press conference at the National Assembly Complex. “This move aims to unite the country and ensure a seamless transition and unprecedented development,” Ugochinyere stated. He emphasized the importance of addressing Nigeria’s challenges openly and without fear.

Ugochinyere, who represents the Ideato North/Idaeto South Federal Constituency of Imo State, explained the bill’s key provisions. “We are proposing a constitutional alteration to provide for the rotation of executive powers among the six geopolitical zones, ensuring equal representation and reducing the agitation for state creation,” he said. The bill seeks to amend the constitution to recognize the division of Nigeria into six geopolitical zones and to implement a single six-year tenure for the President and governors. This, according to Ugochinyere, would cut government spending, promote efficiency, and enhance national stability.

Additionally, the lawmakers seek amendments to create two Vice Presidential offices, one from the southern and one from the northern part of Nigeria. The First Vice President would be a succession vice president, while the Second Vice President would handle economic affairs, both serving as ministers. The bill also stipulates that the President and the First Vice President must come from the same region, ensuring continuity in the event of presidential incapacity.

Further proposals include granting financial autonomy to local government councils through an independent Consolidated Local Government Council Account and imposing severe penalties for the misuse of local government funds. The bill also addresses fiscal accountability, stating that any state government failing to remit funds to local councils would forfeit future allocations from the Federal Government.

On electoral reforms, the group recommends that all elections be held on the same day and that results not be declared until they have been verified against voter accreditation lists. They also propose stringent penalties for officials who declare false results and a requirement that all election-related litigations be resolved before the swearing-in of elected officials.

Echoing these sentiments, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in Rivers State, emphasized the importance of equitable presidential rotation. “This amendment guarantees that everyone will have an opportunity, fostering national unity,” he noted.

Paul Nnamchi, representing Enugu-East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in Enugu State, supported the proposal for single-day elections, citing cost savings. “Elections held in one day will save the country the enormous cost of having polls on different days,” Nnamchi remarked.

The bill represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, aiming to streamline governance and foster national cohesion through equitable power distribution and rigorous financial and electoral reforms.

. The bill, presented on Monday, also proposes the rotation of the presidency among the country’s six geopolitical zones.

The legislators, operating under the banner of Reformed-minded Legislators, argue that the initiative would significantly reduce the cost of governance. Spokesperson for the group, Ikenga Ugochinyere, highlighted the potential benefits during a press conference at the National Assembly Complex. “This move aims to unite the country and ensure a seamless transition and unprecedented development,” Ugochinyere stated. He emphasized the importance of addressing Nigeria’s challenges openly and without fear.

Ugochinyere, who represents the Ideato North/Idaeto South Federal Constituency of Imo State, explained the bill’s key provisions. “We are proposing a constitutional alteration to provide for the rotation of executive powers among the six geopolitical zones, ensuring equal representation and reducing the agitation for state creation,” he said. The bill seeks to amend the constitution to recognize the division of Nigeria into six geopolitical zones and to implement a single six-year tenure for the President and governors. This, according to Ugochinyere, would cut government spending, promote efficiency, and enhance national stability.

Additionally, the lawmakers seek amendments to create two Vice Presidential offices, one from the southern and one from the northern part of Nigeria. The First Vice President would be a succession vice president, while the Second Vice President would handle economic affairs, both serving as ministers. The bill also stipulates that the President and the First Vice President must come from the same region, ensuring continuity in the event of presidential incapacity.

Further proposals include granting financial autonomy to local government councils through an independent Consolidated Local Government Council Account and imposing severe penalties for the misuse of local government funds. The bill also addresses fiscal accountability, stating that any state government failing to remit funds to local councils would forfeit future allocations from the Federal Government.

On electoral reforms, the group recommends that all elections be held on the same day and that results not be declared until they have been verified against voter accreditation lists. They also propose stringent penalties for officials who declare false results and a requirement that all election-related litigations be resolved before the swearing-in of elected officials.

Echoing these sentiments, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in Rivers State, emphasized the importance of equitable presidential rotation. “This amendment guarantees that everyone will have an opportunity, fostering national unity,” he noted.

Paul Nnamchi, representing Enugu-East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in Enugu State, supported the proposal for single-day elections, citing cost savings. “Elections held in one day will save the country the enormous cost of having polls on different days,” Nnamchi remarked.

The bill represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, aiming to streamline governance and foster national cohesion through equitable power distribution and rigorous financial and electoral reforms.

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