A Representatives, under the banner of “Reform Minded Lawmakers,” has proposed a single six-year term for the President and Governors. This initiative was announced at a press conference held in Abuja on Monday.
Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasized the need for constitutional and electoral reforms, a topic that has sparked controversy and unrest in Nigeria since its independence from Britain in 1960. He noted that these issues have deepened religious and ethnic divides over the past 50 years.
“We are a group of reform-minded lawmakers committed to using the instrument of lawmaking to reform Nigeria and our political process,” Ugochinyere stated.
He highlighted the necessity for these reforms, pointing out, “Our current political arrangement has some identified distortions, defects, and limitations that call for urgent, focused, and realistic attention.”
Ugochinyere stressed that Nigeria has endured challenging times and missed significant opportunities. He explained that as a first step in their commitment, the group is presenting several bills and proposals on the floor of the 10th Assembly. These proposals are part of a broader effort to address development across all sectors of the economy and national well-being.
The group unveiled six bills at the press conference, with a total of 50 bills having gone through their first reading. Among the key proposals, they aim to:
Amend the Constitution to provide a single six-year term for the President and Governors: This is intended to reduce government spending and wastage, improve governance efficiency, and enhance national stability.
Provide for the rotation of executive powers among the six geopolitical zones: This measure seeks to ensure equal representation and reduce agitation for the creation of new states.
Recognize the division of Nigeria into six geopolitical zones in the Constitution.
Create the office of two vice presidents: One vice president would be a succession vice president, while the other would be a Minister in charge of the Economy, ensuring balanced representation from the northern and southern parts of the country.
Ensure financial autonomy and accountability of Local Government Councils: This includes establishing an independent Consolidated Local Government Council Account and prescribing long-term imprisonment for any misuse of local government funds.
Ugochinyere underscored the group’s dedication to using legislation to drive these reforms, saying, “These bills will touch on every aspect of development in all sectors of our economy and well-being as a nation.”
The proposals mark a comprehensive effort to address longstanding issues within Nigeria’s political system, aiming for more equitable governance and improved efficiency in the country’s leadership.