A group of 34 members of the House of Representatives who initially sponsored a bill aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to establish a six-year single term for the presidency have decided to reintroduce the legislation.
Representative Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) made this announcement in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, following the bill’s rejection during the plenary session on November 21.
It is worth noting that the proposed legislation sought to implement a six-year single term for the president, governors, and local government chairpersons.
Additionally, the bill aimed to introduce zonal rotation for presidential and gubernatorial positions, as well as to conduct all elections on a single day.
Ugochinyere emphasized that the rejection of the bill should not be viewed as a final setback, as further consultations will be undertaken.
As the lead sponsor of the bill, he asserted that the discussions within the House would not extinguish the ongoing advocacy and aspirations, affirming that the goals of the bill would ultimately be achieved.
“The struggle to reform our constitutional democracy to be all-inclusive and provide an avenue for justice, equity, and fairness has not been lost.
“The decision on the floor of the house yesterday (Thursday) not to allow the bill for six-year single tenure and all elections to hold in one day will not end the agitation,” the lawmaker said.
Ugochinyere described the rejection of the bill as a temporary setback that would not affect the campaign for an all-inclusive democratic process.
“We are going to review this decision and find possible ways of reintroducing it after, following due legislative procedures.
“All I can tell Nigerians is that we will continue the advocacy and convince our colleagues to see reason with us.
“If elections are held in one day, it will reduce cost and rigging.
“If power rotates, it will help de-escalate political tensions, and a six-year single term will go a long way in helping elective leaders to focus on delivering their democratic mandate,” he said.
