Two weeks ago, 61 members of the House of Representatives issued a statement calling for the replacement of Nigeria’s presidential system of government with the parliamentary option, as practised in countries like the United Kingdom.
The lawmakers, who cut across political parties and geo-political divisions, based their demand on the apparent decline of democratic practice in Nigeria, a failure that has resulted in the widespread hunger and insecurity.
Nigeria tried the parliamentary system during the first republic immediately after independence. It was cut short by military intervention. The country adopted the presidential option when civilian rule returned in 1979. The 1999 constitution enshrines the American-type presidential system which many see as being too inefficient and expensive.
The clamour for the restructuring of the Nigerian political order is not a matter only for legislators. It requires robust public discourse, rigour and evidence-based analysis.
What’s Different?
The lawmakers’ intervention is a repeat of a similar bill initiated by 71 legislators in the ninth National Assembly. The bill did not pass before the end of that session.
The latest effort coincides with the commencement of constitutional amendment by the National Assembly and a growing clamour by Nigerian pro-democracy and human rights groups for the restructuring of the Nigerian state for equitable and sustainable economic and social development.
The question is whether a return to parliamentary system with signification localization of fiscal management in lower levels of government will break the long chain of failure and help reinvent Nigeria and reorient it towards transformative development.
The Abuja School of Social and Political Thought (TAS), as part of its agenda of promoting electoral democracy, sustained development, and institutional accountability, undertakes to deepen the conversation about the desirability of structural change to drive Nigeria’s political stability and economic development.
The organization is bringing together the leadership of the National Assembly, leading policy intellectuals, pro-democracy activists, experienced public administrators and concerned citizens to engage in structured conversation on desirable restructuring of state institutions.
The dialogue aims to produce a rigorous analysis and recommendation on institutional and structural revision to accompany a new commitment towards restructuring.
Pluboard, as a partner, is providing media anchorage of the discourse which starts 10 am Friday at Rockview Hotel, Abuja.
Keynote Speaker: Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, House majority leader
Discussants: Prof Jibrin Ibrahim, Professor Victor Adetule, Prof Attahiru Jega, Dr. Hussein Abdu, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and Prof Udenta O. Udenta, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Cardinal Onaiyekan.
Moderator of Dialogue: Dr. Sam Amadi, Director TAS
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The Afenifere representative, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, gave a short comment that emphasized the need for the Yoruba nation to produce what its people consume, not to rely on allocations drawn from the resources from other parts of the country.
The cleric argues that until the leadership question is addressed, no political structure will work for Nigeria. He says the country must be saved from leaders who are corrupt and serve their interest.
He says the 1979 constitution vested too much power at the centre and emsculates the federating units.
The next speaker, Rev. Father George Ehusani, speaks on “leadership debauchery”, saying the prevailing political structure of the country is not working. He sets forth from Biblical examples showing that the people suffer when there is a wrong leadership.
Mr Amadi says the parliamentary system, which Nigeria practised immediately after independence in 1960, gave the country more results. He says the current structure has negatively impacted the country’s economic progress, security and overall development.
He says the conversation will produce a guide on whether Nigeria should revert to the parliamentary system. He ends his welcome address.
Mr Amadi sets the tone of the discussion by outlining the importance of Nigeria dealing with the issue of restructuring and the type of governance system that works best for the country.
“We know that structures matter (referring to the structure of governance), and they are revisable and capable of being used for good or evil,” he says.
The director general of TAS, Sam Amadi, gives an opening remark as the programme starts behind the scheduled time.
Mr Amadi introduces speakers to the table. They include Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Kinsley Chinda, minority leader of the House of Representatives.
Mr Amadi says the conversation will be a continued one.
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