The House of Representatives has introduced a proposal for a single six-year term for presidents and governors and the creation of two vice-presidential offices representing the southern and northern regions of Nigeria.
The six bills, which have successfully passed their first reading in the House, are sponsored by 35 members.
During a press conference in Abuja, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, representing the Ideato North/South federal constituency and spokesperson for the reform-minded lawmakers, explained that if these bills become law, they will reduce government spending, increase efficiency in governance, and promote national stability by implementing a single six-year term for the President and Governors.
Ugochinyere emphasized the lawmakers’ commitment to using legislation to reform Nigeria’s political process. He highlighted that constitutional and electoral reform has been a critical issue since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, causing unrest and deepening religious and ethnic divides over the past 50 years.
He stated, “We should not fear to discuss our problems, challenges, fears, aspirations, and prospects as a people. Today, we take a crucial step to strengthen our unity, expand inclusiveness, and deepen our democracy and electoral system.”
Ugochinyere remarked that the current political arrangement has significant distortions, defects, and limitations, necessitating urgent reform.
He noted that the history of Nigeria has been marked by missed opportunities and challenging times. The lawmakers are committed to using legislative tools to create a functional democracy that benefits all Nigerians.
The group of over 30 lawmakers from various political parties aims to reduce the cost of governance, unite the country, ensure smooth transitions, continuous development, justice, equity, and independence of INEC, and tackle issues like nepotism, corruption, and state capture in the electoral process. They recognize that Nigeria needs long-lasting solutions to its economic difficulties, insecurity, disunity, weak institutions, and corruption.
The proposed bills address a wide range of sectors, including governance, economy, security, and justice, with the aim of unifying the nation and ensuring peace and cohesion.
The lawmakers acknowledge past reform efforts, such as the Justice Uwais electoral reforms, the Senator Ken Nnamani electoral reform committee, and various other reform reports, which have been largely abandoned despite significant investment in them.
The current initiative includes the following key proposals:
Constitutional amendment for the rotation of executive powers among the six geopolitical zones to ensure equal representation.
Recognition of Nigeria’s division into six geopolitical zones.
Implementation of a single six-year term for the President and Governors.
Creation of two vice-presidential offices, one for the north and one for the south, with specific roles: one as the succession vice president and the other as a minister responsible for the economy.
Additionally, the proposal includes amendments to enhance the financial autonomy and accountability of Local Government Councils and measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
This includes holding all elections on the same day, ensuring results match accredited voter lists, and requiring the resolution of election-related litigations before winners assume office.
The lawmakers call on all Nigerians to support these bills by engaging with their representatives, participating in public hearings, and advocating for the reforms through various media platforms. They emphasize that building a united, stable, and prosperous nation requires collective effort and commitment.
The lawmakers expressed gratitude to their colleagues in the House of Representatives and the leadership for their support and strategic legislative agenda. They also expressed confidence in the Constitution amendment committee, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, to deliver the necessary reforms.
They called for dedication to building a nation that all Nigerians can be proud of and expressed their hope for success in these reform efforts with the grace of God.
They thanked the leadership and their fellow members of the House for their ongoing support and commitment to common prosperity.
