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Members of the House of Representatives are working to change the 1999 Constitution so that we might switch from the existing presidential style of administration to a parliamentary one.
A return to the parliamentary system was demanded by 60 MPs, led by Wale Raji, an All Progressives Congress lawmaker representing Lagos State. Among other reasons, the lawmakers cited the need to lower government expenses and have vigorous policy debates.
The measure, which was sponsored by House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and 59 other members, was titled "The Bills proposing constitutional alterations for a transition to parliamentary system of government" and was first read aloud on the House floor during Wednesday's plenary session in Abuja.
The sponsors' spokesman, Abdulssamad Dasuki, who is a member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Constituency in Sokoto State, stated during a news conference on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex that if passed, the legislation will have a profound effect on the political climate in the country.
He said, “Our founders in their wisdom and in a political atmosphere devoid of compulsion, and having considered the interests of their native peoples and their desire to live together in a country where truth and justice reign, where no man is oppressed, and where all citizens live in peace and plenty, adopted the parliamentary system of government.
“That was the governance system of the First Republic, a period when legislative and executive powers were exercised by the representatives of the people in parliament and in the executive, and by the nature of the system, these representatives were accountable to the people.
“For six years while it was in operation, the system worked for the country.”
He added, “The collapse of the First Republic and the long stretch of military rule culminated in the adoption of a new system of government, theoretically fashioned after the presidential system of the United States but in practice, imbibed the uttermost attributes of military rule.
“No wonder the Nigerian President appears to be one of the most powerful presidents in the world.
“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 of attaining 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 executive, who are appointees and not directly accountable to the people.
“The bills presented today (Wednesday) seek a return to the system of government adopted by our founders, which made governance accountable, responsible and responsive, and ultimately less expensive.”
The lawmakers declared after the bills were presented that their goals were to "raise awareness about this significant development and encourage constructive dialogue on the potential implications of these proposed constitutional alterations," as well as "ignite, provoke a national conversation about the future of the Nigerian governance system, ensure robust public debates, stakeholder consultations, expert analyses, and a thorough and informed decision-making process."
The bill's sponsors noted that under the parliamentary system, the President will be replaced with a Prime Minister to serve as the Head of Government and establish the office of the President as a ceremonial leader, emphasizing that "these elected positions are to be chosen," while acknowledging that the future of Nigeria's governance depends on responsive and responsible leadership and informed public engagement.
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