By Abiola Olawale
The House of Representatives received a request on Monday for the amendment of the 1999 constitution to enable a single six-year tenure for the president and governors in Nigeria.
The advocacy campaign was initiated by 35 lawmakers in the House of Representatives during plenary on Monday.
The lawmakers are also seeking amendments to establish the rotation of the Presidency among Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
Leading the debate, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, stated that the proposed constitutional changes are aimed at enhancing political stability and governance efficiency.
Ugochinyere contended that by employing a system of rotational Presidency among the six geo-political zones, will foster national unity and equitable representation of all regions.
The lawmaker added that the single six-year term for Presidents and Governors is intended to reduce the financial and political costs associated with frequent election cycles and transitions.
He said: “The reduction in government spending and wastage, efficiency in governance, and national stability by providing a single term of six years for the President and Governors will go a long way in cost-cutting measures.
“This measure is expected to allow elected leaders to focus on long-term developmental projects without the distractions of re-election campaigns,” Ugochinyere stated.
