Updated: Reps Propose Shift from Presidential to Parliamentary Form of Government for Nigeria

Sixty lawmakers in Nigeria’s House of Representatives have set the stage for a potential shift from the presidential system to a parliamentary system of government. The proposed legislation, titled “The Bills proposing constitutional alterations for a transition to parliamentary system of government,” received its first reading during Wednesday’s plenary session in Abuja.

Hon Abdussamad Dasuki (Sokoto, PDP), the spokesperson for the group of lawmakers, emphasized the need for change, citing the glaring imperfections of the current Presidential System of Government. Among the highlighted issues are the high cost of governance, which hampers essential sectors like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and the concentration of excessive powers in the executive branch, leading to a lack of direct accountability to the people.

Dasuki underlined the bills’ objective, stating that they aim to return to the governance system initially adopted by the nation’s founders. This system is characterized by accountability, responsibility, responsiveness, and overall cost-effectiveness. The proposed constitutional alterations, if passed, intend to spark a national conversation on the future of Nigerian governance. The lawmakers anticipate robust public debates, stakeholder consultations, expert analyses, and a thorough decision-making process to ensure an informed transition to a parliamentary system.

In a joint effort transcending party affiliations and regional backgrounds, these lawmakers are positioning themselves at the forefront of history, advocating for a shift from the current presidential system to a parliamentary one at all levels – federal, state, and local government.