JUST IN: Reps seek return to parliamentary system of govt

Three bills to amend the 1999 Constitution to transition from a presidential system of government to a parliamentary system of government have passed the First Reading on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The bills, sponsored by 60 lawmakers across party lines, are expected to be gazetted for the Second Reading and will be referred to the Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for further legislative action.

During a press briefing at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Hon. Wale Raji disclosed the intended purpose of the proposed bills. He emphasized the need to initiate a conversation about transitioning from the current presidential system to a less expensive parliamentary system of government.

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“We anticipate that the process may not necessarily conclude with the current administration. In fact, we expect it to extend beyond 2027, with the actual commencement potentially in 2031. It’s a gradual process we have now initiated,” he noted.

Hon. Dasuki, speaking on behalf of the group of Parliamentarians sponsoring the bills, stated, “Today, we stand on the cusp of history as lawmakers from different parties and regions unite to present bills proposing Constitutional Alterations for a transition to a Parliamentary System of Government.”

The proposed alterations, if passed, would significantly impact the national political landscape. Hon. Dasuki highlighted the imperfections of the current Presidential system, including its high cost of governance, excessive executive powers, and lack of direct accountability to the people.

The bills seek to return to the governance system of the First Republic, characterized by accountability, responsibility, and responsiveness, ultimately being less expensive. The changes outlined in the bills include replacing the President with a Prime Minister as the Head of Government and establishing the office of the President as a ceremonial leader.

Other proposed changes involve shifting the process of electing Governors and Chairmen of Local Governments from general elections to voting within their respective legislative bodies, aiming to streamline administration, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches.

Hon. Dasuki outlined the convictions that a streamlined Executive Branch could lead to a smaller central government, reducing expenses, and that electing officials from parliament could save costs spent on state and nationwide campaigns.

The bills aim to spark a national conversation, and encourage public debates, stakeholder consultations, and informed decision-making processes about the future of Nigeria’s governance system.