Nigerian House of Representatives Proposes Shift from Presidential to Parliamentary System
Written by Deborah Oyinloye on February 14, 2024
In a bold move, about 60 members of the Federal House of Representatives are advocating for amendments to the 1999 Constitution to transition Nigeria from a presidential to a parliamentary system of government. Led by Wale Raji, a Lagos State lawmaker from the All Progressives Congress, the bill seeks to address the nation’s governance structure, emphasizing cost reduction and robust policy debates as primary reasons for the proposed shift.
The proposed bill, titled ‘The Bills proposing constitutional alterations for a transition to parliamentary system of government,’ was introduced by the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, and 59 others. It aims to adopt a parliamentary system at the Federal, State, and Local Government levels, echoing the governance model of Nigeria’s First Republic.
Abdulssamad Dasuki, the spokesman for the sponsors, highlighted the accountability, responsibility, and responsiveness inherent in the parliamentary system, contrasting it with the perceived flaws of the presidential system. The move aims to address issues such as the high cost of governance, excessive executive powers, and the need for closer collaboration between branches of government.
Under the proposed parliamentary system, the President would be replaced by a Prime Minister as the Head of Government, with the President assuming a ceremonial role. Legislative elections would involve voting within respective legislative bodies, potentially reducing campaign expenses and bureaucratic hurdles.
The proponents of the bill underscored the importance of national dialogue, stakeholder consultations, and informed decision-making in shaping Nigeria’s governance future. They emphasized the need for responsive and responsible leadership to drive socio-economic development and national progress effectively.
While acknowledging that the path to implementation may be lengthy, the lawmakers expressed optimism in achieving their goal by 2031, prioritizing national interest above all other considerations. The proposed shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system reflects a significant step towards redefining Nigeria’s governance framework and fostering inclusive and accountable governance.
Author: Deborah Oyinloye
With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.
