Victor EzejaA group of lawmakers in Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called for an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to allow for a six-year single tenure for the office of president and governors in the country.
In the Bill proposed by about 35 members of the Green Chamber, they are equally seeking an alteration of the constitution to make room for the rotation of the office of president among the six geo-political zones in the country.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelA member representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, made this known during a press conference at the National Assembly, Abuja on Monday.
Ugochinyere, who spoke on behalf of other lawmakers who proposed the bill, explained that the aim of seeking a six-year single term was to reduce government spending and wastage, as elections are conducted every four years for those offices.
He also revealed that amending the constitution to recognise the geo-political zones and rotate the office of president would ensure equal representation and reduce the desperation and spate of agitation for the creation of new states by various zones.
“The bill is also seeking reduction in government spending and wastage, efficiency in governance, and national stability by providing a single term of six years for the President and Governors,” Ugochinyere stated.
“We want the creation of the office of two vice presidents from the southern and northern parts of Nigeria.
“The 1st vice shall be a succession Vice president, while the 2nd Vice president shall be a Minister in charge of the Economy, and both shall be Ministers.”
He also disclosed that the bill equally seeks to address the issue of local government autonomy by stipulating that there should be an independent Consolidated Local Government Council Account to be managed by Local Councils. The lawmaker added that it prescribes long-term imprisonment for any misuse of local government funds.
According to him, other things the bill seeks to address are the conduct of elections at the Federal and State levels by ensuring that relevant sections of the Electoral Act are amended to allow both to take place on the same day. Also, in the proposal is the timeframe for the conclusion of all election litigations. He said the bill prescribes a six-month period before swearing into office takes place.
He said the bill has passed its first reading at the House of Representatives and called on other lawmakers and Nigerians generally to support it to scale through, adding that it would transform the country and make it more united, efficient, and inclusive
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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