A significant move has been made in Nigeria’s political landscape as a group of 60 lawmakers, known collectively as the Parliamentary Group, unveiled plans to abolish the existing presidential system in favor of reverting to the parliamentary model reminiscent of the First Republic.
During a session at the House of Representatives, the Parliamentary Group introduced a groundbreaking constitution alteration bill, signaling their determination to reshape the country’s governance structure.
Led by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, the group presented three constitutional amendment bills during the plenary, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political evolution.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the House Press Centre, Abdulsamad Dasuki, the spokesperson for the Parliamentary Group, elaborated on the core objectives of the proposed bills.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the current presidential system, Dasuki underscored the exorbitant costs associated with it and the excessive powers vested in the president, leading to diminished accountability.
“No wonder the Nigerian President appears to be one of the most powerful presidents in the world,” Dasuki remarked, shedding light on the drawbacks of the prevailing governance structure.
Confident in their pursuit, the lawmakers have set a targeted timeline of 2031 for the constitutional amendment process to facilitate the transition back to the parliamentary system.
Dasuki emphasized the group’s overarching goal to spark a national dialogue regarding the deficiencies of the current system, emphasizing the historical significance of returning to the governance model established by the nation’s founders.
“The bills presented today seek a return to the system of government adopted by our founders, which made governance accountable, responsible, responsive, and ultimately less expensive,” asserted Dasuki, encapsulating the essence of the Parliamentary Group’s mission.
