A group of MPs from Nigeria’s House of Representatives has proposed changing the 1999 Constitution to include a presidential rotation among the nation’s six geopolitical zones.
The group is pushing for major constitutional changes, such as giving the president and governors a single six-year term.
The intended changes seek to maintain political power equity among Nigeria’s many regions while also promoting national cohesion.
A constitutional amendment has been suggested by House members, spearheaded by Representative Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo), which would institute a six-year term limit for both the President and Governors nationwide.
At a news conference on Monday at the National Assembly in Abuja, the proposition was made.
The legislators’ argument under the proposed measure is that the current form of government permits wasteful spending and inefficiency, which they think may be reduced by restricting the terms of the President and Governors to six years each.
“The bill seeks to reduce government spending and waste, improve governance efficiency, and promote national stability by granting the President and Governors a single six-year term,” stated Representative Ugochinyere.
The proposal also calls for the establishment of two vice presidential positions, one for each of Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.
If the president were unable to serve, the first vice president would assume the position of Minister responsible for the economy, and the second vice president would become the Minister in charge of the economy.
The executive branch’s ability to properly oversee the nation’s economic issues would be strengthened by the appointment of both vice presidents to ministerial positions.
The bill’s improvement of Local Government Councils’ financial accountability and autonomy is another important feature. It proposes the creation of a separate, directly controlled by the councils themselves Consolidated Local Government Council Account.
The measure also suggests that any misuse of funds from the local government be punished severely, up to and including life in jail.
Furthermore, the amendment aims to revise the Electoral Act to require simultaneous holding of state and federal elections.
The goal of this modification is to simplify the voting process and lessen the financial and administrative strain that comes with holding elections at different times.
The legislator underlined that should the bill be approved, all election-related lawsuits would have to be resolved within six months after the official swearing-in of elected authorities.
Rep. Ugochinyere declared, “Ours is a commitment to building a united, stable, and prosperous nation,” demonstrating a strong commitment to both national advancement and unity. Nigeria has to and will grow into a powerful, contemporary country.
