On Thursday, The 60 House of Representatives members advocating for a shift from presidential to parliamentary government visited Kano elder statesman and business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, seeking his support for their proposal.
The legislators contended that Nigeria should revert to a parliamentary form of government, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness compared to the presidential system.
In a Thursday meeting with the former First Republic parliamentarian in Kano, Dantata, the Chinda-led group affirmed their unwavering commitment and sincerity in advocating for a parliamentary government.
Chinda stated that the reintroduction of the parliamentary system is in the best interest of both Nigerians and the nation as a whole.
“We pray that Nigerians will understand our position and also support this position and urge their members (both senators and House of Representatives) to key into this project.
“This project will consolidate our unity as a nation rather than threaten it,” Chinda said.
He expressed gratitude to the business mogul for providing valuable advice and insights, stating that they would consistently tap into his wealth of experience.
“We cannot thank you enough for your contribution on the issue, but will continue to tap from your wealth of experience,” he added.
Dantata, in his comments, welcomed the parliamentary government bill and pledged his support to the initiative.
The senior statesman noted that, in addition to being cost-effective, the parliamentary system would improve Nigeria’s stability by making the country more manageable to govern.
“The parliamentary system is better and cheaper for Nigeria than the presidential system, which is very costly, especially with the current economic situation in the country.
“I hope and pray that you will get more members in the assembly to support the project,” he said.
He expressed a prayer for the resolution of the current security challenges afflicting the country.
Speaking at a press conference in the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday, Abdulssamad Dasuki, the spokesman for the bill’s sponsors, stated that the legislation, when enacted, would have a substantial impact on the national political landscape.
Dasuki, representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Constituency in Sokoto State, remarked, “Our founders, guided by wisdom in a politically free environment, taking into account the aspirations of their respective communities and the wish for a nation characterized by truth, justice, and the absence of oppression, chose 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 the parliament and in the executive, and by the nature of the system, these representatives were accountable to the people.”
Dasuki mentioned that during the six years Nigeria operated under the parliamentary system, the country functioned effectively.
“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 the executive, who are appointees and not directly accountable to the people.”
