Given the expensive nature of running the presidential system of Government as well as other deficiencies,60 Nigerian lawmakers want presidential system abolished and transition to parliamentary system which was operational in Nigeria.
The group, known as the Parliamentary Group, introduced a constitution alteration bill on the floor of the House last Wednesday..
The group, known as the Parliamentary Group, introduced a constitution alteration bill on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, setting in motion what could be a transition to a parliamentary system by 2031.
Three constitution alteration bills were presented by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), and 60 others during plenary.
PREMIUM TIMES has yet to obtain the details of the three alteration bills.
However, the spokesperson of the group, Abdulsamad Dasuki, briefed journalists on the synopses of the bills.
During a press briefing at the House Press Center, the lawmakers, led by Mr Dasuki, expressed their frustration with the expensive presidential system and the overbearing powers of the president.
“No wonder the Nigerian President appears to be one of the most powerful Presidents in the world,” Mr Dasuki said.
“Over the years, the imperfections of the Presidential System of Government have become glaring to all, despite several alterations to the constitution to address the shortcomings of a system that has denied the nation the opportunity to attain its full potential.
“Among these imperfections are the high cost of governance, leaving fewer resources for crucial areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and consequently hindering the nation’s development progress, and the excessive powers vested in the members of the executive, who are appointees and not directly accountable to the people,” he said.
Mr Dasuki said the group is seeking to spark a conversation about the lack of effectiveness of the current presidential system.
“The bills presented today seek a return to the system of government adopted by our founders, which made governance accountable, responsible, and responsive, and ultimately less expensive,” he said.
Parliamentary System
Nigeria operated under the parliamentary system pre-independence and in the First Republic. However, the coup of 15 January 1966 truncated that republic
The military suspended the civil government and ruled the country until the transition to democracy in 1979, but the Second Republic was built on the 1979 Constitution which prescribed the presidential system.
The proposal by the lawmakers is seeking to revert to the First Republic system with a prime minister, a member of parliament, serving as the head of government, similar to the British system.
In a parliamentary system, the executive branch derives its legitimacy and authority from the legislative branch. The head of government (often the prime minister) is typically a member of the legislature and is accountable to it. This system fosters a close relationship between the executive and legislative branches, allowing for efficient decision-making and policy implementation.
However, some experts believe that the parliamentary system polarised the country during the First Republic – especially as the prime minister needs not to be acceptable to the majority of citizens – paving the way for the military to strike
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