Reps Seek Transition From Presidential To Parliamentary System
A group of legislators in the House of Representatives are keenly pushing for changes to the 1999 Constitution to shift from the current presidential system to a parliamentary system of government.
The group, consisting of approximately 60 lawmakers, argues that this transition is necessary to reduce the government’s expenses in light of declining revenue.
The bill, titled ‘The Bills Proposing Constitutional Alterations For a Transition To Parliamentary System of Government,’ was sponsored by Kingsley Chinda, the House Minority Leader, and 59 others.
During a plenary session in Abuja on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, the bill was read on the House floor.
In a statement made available to newsmen, a spokesperson for the sponsors of the Parliamentary Bill, stated, Abdussamad Dasuki, stated: “Today, we find ourselves on the brink of history, as lawmakers from various party affiliations and regional backgrounds unite to present bills proposing Constitutional Alterations that aim to transition to a Parliamentary System of Government.”
He added: “These bills, seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, advocate a transition from the current presidential system to a parliamentary system at all levels – federal, state, and local government.
“The proposed alterations, when passed, would significantly impact the national political landscape.
“Our founders in their wisdom and in a political atmosphere devoid of compulsion, and having considered the interests of their native peoples and their desire to live together in a country where truth and justice reign, where no man is oppressed, and where all citizens live in peace and plenty, adopted the parliamentary System of Government.
“That was the governance system of the First Republic, a period when legislative and executive powers were exercised by the representatives of the people in parliament and in the executive, and by the nature of the system, these representatives were accountable to the people. For six years while it was in operation, the system worked for the country.”
According to Dasuki, over time, it has become evident to everyone that the flaws of the Presidential System of Government are apparent, despite numerous amendments to the constitution aimed at rectifying the deficiencies of a system that has hindered the nation from reaching its maximum capabilities.
“Among these imperfections are the high cost of governance, leaving fewer resources for crucial areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and consequently hindering the nation’s development progress, and the excessive powers vested in the members of the executive, who are appointees and not directly accountable to the people.
“The bills presented today seek a return to the system of government adopted by our founders, which made governance accountable, responsible and responsive, and ultimately less expensive,” he said.
