The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has backed calls for Nigeria to transition from the current presidential system to a parliamentary government.
Adebanjo spoke in an interview with Arise Television on Monday
He said, “Those of us who’ve had experience with the parliamentary system in this country see that it’s the only way out. The presidential system is corrupt, especially in Nigeria; it makes the president a dictator.
“To question the supremacy of the president is only in operation before the election; the moment he’s elected, he becomes a dictator where no one can oppose him. His word is the law.
“Particularly in Nigeria, our constitution makes the president the most powerful in the world. The system is too expensive and corrupt. The earlier we revert, the better.
“Under the parliamentary system, the prime minister becomes more responsible; he’s responsible to the parliament. By the name itself, the prime minister falls among equals. If he misbehaves, the parliament will question him because the ministers are elected members of their constituencies.
“The advantages of a parliamentary system are many. It is a welcome development that should be implemented expeditiously, and the constitution should be changed,” he said.
Recall that a group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives had proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution to transition from the current presidential system to the parliamentary system of government.
According to the group made up of about 60 lawmakers, the transition has become necessary to reduce the cost of government in the face of dwindling revenue.
Titled, “The Bills Proposing Constitutional Alterations for a Transition to a Parliamentary System of Government,” the bill was sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, and 59 others.
The bill was read on the floor of the House of Representatives during a plenary session.
In a statement, a spokesman for the Parliamentary Bill Sponsors, Abdussamad Dasuki, said, “Today, we stand on the cusp of history, as lawmakers across party affiliations and regional backgrounds come together to present bills proposing Constitutional Alterations that seek a transition to Parliamentary System of Government.
“These bills, seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, advocate a transition from the current presidential system to a parliamentary system at all levels – federal, state, and local government.
“The proposed alterations, when passed, would significantly impact the national political landscape.”
Meanwhile, Kano businessman, Aminu Dantata, also backed the call for a parliamentary system of government as a solution to Nigeria’s problems.
Dantata, who rarely speaks on political issues in the country, said the parliamentary system of government is the way forward.