Lawmakers Rally Support for Return to Parliamentary System, Seek Dantata’s Backing

A delegation of 60 members from the House of Representatives, advocating for a shift from the presidential to a parliamentary form of government, engaged in consultations with Kano elder statesman and business tycoon, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, on Thursday.

Led by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, the lawmakers, who presented the bill during Wednesday’s plenary, expressed their aim to transition to a parliamentary system by 2031, citing cost-effectiveness as a primary motivation.

Nigeria previously embraced the parliamentary model from 1960 to 1966.

During their meeting with Dantata, a former parliamentarian from the First Republic, Chinda emphasized their dedication to the cause, asserting that the parliamentary system aligns with Nigeria’s best interests.

Chinda stated, “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.”

Acknowledging Dantata’s valuable insights, Chinda expressed gratitude for the elder statesman’s contributions, affirming their intent to draw from his wealth of experience.

In response, Dantata lauded the parliamentary government bill, endorsing its cost-effectiveness and its potential to enhance Nigeria’s stability.

“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 remarked.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Abdulssamad Dasuki, the spokesman for the bill’s sponsors, highlighted the transformative impact the legislation could have on Nigeria’s political landscape. He criticized the current presidential system’s high governance costs and the excessive powers concentrated in the executive branch.

Dasuki concluded, “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.”