The House of Representatives has proposed significant constitutional reforms, including a single six-year tenure for presidents and governors and the creation of two vice presidential offices representing the Southern and Northern regions of Nigeria.
These reforms are encapsulated in six bills that have successfully passed the first reading in the House. The bills, sponsored by 35 members, aim to reduce government spending, enhance governance efficiency, and promote national stability by limiting the president and governors to a single six-year term.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, representing the Ideato North/South federal constituency and spokesperson for the reform-minded lawmakers, elaborated on the motivations behind the bills. He stated that if passed, the bills would “reduce government spending and wastage, increase efficiency in governance, and ensure national stability by providing a single term of six years for the President and Governors.”
Ugochinyere emphasized that the lawmakers are dedicated to using legislative instruments to reform Nigeria’s political process, noting that constitutional and electoral reform has been a contentious issue since Nigeria’s independence from Britain in 1960. He remarked, “We should not be afraid to meet and discuss our problems, challenges, fears, aspirations, and prospects as a people. We should not discuss in fear and we should never fear to discuss. Today, we are taking a crucial step that will further strengthen our understanding, expand the frontiers of our inclusiveness, deepen our bond as one people under God and build a stronger support that will deepen our democracy and electoral system. We are once again, at the threshold of history.”
He further stated that the bills provide an opportunity to “redefine and redesign our political landscape in a direction that would strengthen the bonds of unity, enhance the processes of democratic consolidation, strengthen the structures to solidify those values that promote democracy, good governance, and good neighborliness; and open boundless opportunities for all Nigerians to be, and to feel that they are part of the evolving political process and socio-economic advancement.”
Highlighting the need for urgent political and electoral reform due to identified distortions and defects in the current political arrangement, Ugochinyere said, “We are a group of over 30 reform-minded lawmakers from different political parties who have come together and are committed to ensuring a working Nigeria using legislative instruments within our power to ensure the reduction of cost of governance and campaigns, unite our country, ensure a seamless transition, continuity, uninterrupted development, justice, equity, independence of INEC, efficient use of state resources, tackle nepotism, state capture, and corruption in electoral processes.”
He acknowledged the critical state of Nigeria, citing economic issues, insecurity, disunity, weak institutions, and corruption, and urged that the proposed reforms are essential for the survival of Nigeria as a united political and economic entity.
The unveiled bills address various aspects of national development, from governance and economic reforms to security and social cohesion. Ugochinyere pointed out that many of these proposals have been deliberated on and accepted in past reform processes, including those by Justice Uwais, Senator Ken Nnamani, and several Nigerian leaders. Despite being long abandoned, these proposals are now being revisited and adjusted to fit current realities.
The bills propose the rotation of executive powers among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to ensure equal representation, the creation of two vice presidential offices, and financial autonomy for local government councils. They also aim to address electoral reforms, including holding all elections on the same day and ensuring the transparency and integrity of election results.
Ugochinyere called on all Nigerians to support these reforms, saying, “Call up all your representatives in the National Assembly and solicit their support for the bills, lobby, participate in the hearings, and use all manner of platforms, digital media, social media, and traditional media to advocate for the passage of these critical reform bills. Ours is a commitment to building a united, stable, and prosperous nation, and with your contribution, cooperation, and support, Nigeria can and must become a great and modern nation.”
He concluded by thanking his fellow members of the House and its leadership for their support and expressed confidence in the success of these proposals, urging all to join hands in re-dedicating themselves to the service of Nigeria. “We cannot afford to fail in this task, and by the grace of God, we shall succeed,” he said.
