By Isaac Akerele
A group of 60 House of Representatives members on Wednesday introduced a bill to amend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, seeking to replace the current presidential system of government with a parliamentary model.
The Parliamentary Group are seeking a transition to a parliamentary system by 2031.
During a press briefing at the House of Representatives Press Center, the lawmakers, led by Hon Abdulsamu Dasuki, expressed their frustrations regarding the expensive presidential system and the overbearing powers of the president.
According to Hon Dasuki, the inadequacies of the Presidential System of Government have become glaring to all, in spite of several adjustments to the constitution to address the shortcomings.
He cited the high cost of governance as a major issue in the presidential system, which according to him, leaves paltry resources for other important areas of development like education, proper healthcare and infrastructure. The group argued that the expenses have hindered the nation’s development and progress.
“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.
Many Nigerians have however expressed divided views. Senator Shehu Sani who represented Kaduna Central during the last Senate said the bill is as good as dead because it will not receive the required support. Others also believe it is a good bill but needs a lot of work.
The Key differences between the Presidential and Parliamentary system includes direct public election by the people under the presidential system. This is in contrast to the parliament system, where the legislature selects a Prime Minister as head of government.
Also, there is no clear separation of power between the legislature and executive as ministers get appointed by the parliament too.
Nigeria once operated a parliamentary system in the First Republic, which was truncated by the Military coup of January 15, 1966. In the second Republic, Nigeria had then returned to a Presidential System of Government after employing the 1979 constitution
However, for the passage of such a bill, the President needs to assent in accordance with the provisions of the constitution. The National Assembly, can however override a veto with two-thirds votes of members of the house, if declined an assent
More details to follow…
