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Shift to Parliamentary system: Ex-President Obasanjo tells proponents it should reflect ‘Afro Democracy ‘

Published

7 months ago

May 15, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

Ex-Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has advocated for an admixture of local content if Nigeria must shift from presidential system to Parliamentary.

Obasanjo also expressed support for the ongoing call for a shift from presidential democracy being currently practised by Nigeria.

Obasanjo made this disclosure during a meeting with the group of House of Representatives members, who are at forefront of the campaign, on Tuesday also stated that the adopted western liberal democracy has failed to deliver, and even failing its originators, urging the lawmakers to adopt something like ‘Afro-Democracy’ as an alternative.

The former president also cautioned that lawmakers that they should not be too hopeful in getting fast results for their ongoing efforts, as doing so will end up disappointing them.

He said “We statrted on a faulty base, and what is a faulty base; western liberal democracy. Our problem started from what we inherited from our colonial masters, so it is up to us to do what you are trying to do. Western liberal democracy brought in opposition, and what’s opposition? Enemy.

There’s nothing in western liberal democracy that is African, Nothing.

“For a long time, we should have sat down and say yes. Even the people who we inherited it from, it is no longer serving them the purpose”, stressing that what Nigerians were known for was “Communalism”, where there was mutual relationship, and decisions made through consensus. “That’s our life. That’s our way of life”, he submitted.

The former leader noted that if Nigeria had wondered away, and realised that it was a mistake in adopting western liberal democracy which has failed to deliver, “nothing is wrong in coming back home like the prodigal son. It can be done. It should be done”, advising the group to adopt a name outside “parliamentary system” for something more afrocentric, to wade off undue opposition.

To the group of lawmakers on the ongoing move, he said “don’t expect results tomorrow. Don’t expect results tomorrow, if not, you’ll be disappointed”, as he gave them his word that “I will join you…we’re in the same boat”.

Speaking earlier, leader of the group, and Minority Leader of the House, Rep Kingsley Chinda, argued that the presidential system of government as being practiced in Nigeria today “is so burdensome. It is so difficult for us as a nation, make that move that we require with this heavy loads on our shoulders, and so we are thinking on how to contribute our own quota to this nation.

“We’ve listened to leaders like you, that are actually role models. We are saying that a home-grown system of government that will be more accountable, a system that will make leaders more responsive and accountable to the people. Having studied this deep, we felt that something close to parliamentary, but a home-grown one, not the British parliamentary system but something that will emerge from within, to reduce the burden of government, to make it more responsible and accountable” was what they were canvassing.

Also, spokesman of the group, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki while appreciating the former president for honouring their invitation, disclosed that a national dialogue on the subject matter is up for early July in the group’s bid to gather wider inputs, as well as an essay competition for Nigerian students both within and outside the country.

“Based on that, just a week ago, we put out an essay competition for all students that are in universities all across the globe, to participate in what they think is best for Nigeria. We tagged it home-grown parliamentary system, but with your advice today, I believe we are going to have a meeting to reconsider the proposal.

“As we are moving, we are learning new things everyday. As at today, I can tell you, we have almost 500 essays that have been written on that platform by persons interested in making Nigeria a better nation”, Dasuki disclosed.

He used the opportunity to appeal to Obasanjo to honour the National Discuss billed for July 1st, 2024.

News

Civil Society Groups Urge FG To Halt Oil Asset Divestments in Niger Delta

Published

30 minutes ago

December 19, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to stop all ongoing and planned divestments of oil assets in the Niger Delta region by oil companies.

This demand was outlined in a petition titled “Urgent Call to Halt All Divestment in the Niger Delta, Including Shell’s Refused Sale of SPDC Shares”, addressed to President Tinubu on December 16, 2024, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas on December 18, 2024.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Mr. Isaac Botti, Programmes Coordinator of Social Action Nigeria, and Reverend Nnimmo Bassey, Founder of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), highlighted the severe environmental and social impacts of oil exploration in the Niger Delta. They stated:

“We are here as representatives of Nigerian society organizations, community leaders, and concerned citizens to address a grave and urgent issue that threatens not only the people of the Niger Delta but the environmental and economic interests of Nigeria and the social future of all Nigerians”, he said.

The Coalition expressed concern over the divestment process by International Oil Companies (IOCs), particularly Shell’s proposed sale of its remaining shares in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to the Renaissance consortium, as well as similar moves by companies like TotalEnergies.

They warned that these actions could undermine national interests and exacerbate environmental damage in the region.

The Coalition detailed extensive damage caused by decades of oil exploration, including:

Water Contamination: High levels of hydrocarbons in water sources have rendered them unsafe for drinking.
Soil Degradation: Continuous oil spills have destroyed farmlands, threatening food security.
Biodiversity Loss: Entire ecosystems have been decimated by oil spills.

Citing reports by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission (BSOEC), the Coalition provided alarming statistics. UNEP revealed benzene levels 900 times above safe limits in Ogoniland, while chromium levels in Bayelsa were over 1,000 times higher than World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

The BSOEC estimated it would cost at least $12 billion to remediate Bayelsa over 12 years, with a broader cleanup across the Niger Delta requiring $100 billion. Comparatively, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the U.S. saw BP pay $60 billion for damages from a single incident.

The Coalition emphasized that past divestments by Shell, ENI/AGIP, and ExxonMobil have left unresolved environmental liabilities:

Shell’s sale to Aiteo in Nembe resulted in worsening pollution without proper cleanup efforts.
ExxonMobil and ENI/AGIP similarly failed to ensure adequate environmental management post-divestment.

These cases have set a troubling precedent of IOCs avoiding accountability for environmental degradation.

The Coalition urged the federal government and the National Assembly to take immediate action by:

Halting all IOC divestments until historical environmental liabilities are addressed.
Ensuring inclusive consultations with host communities before divestments.
Mandating that Shell, TotalEnergies, and other IOCs fund cleanup and remediation efforts.
Upholding the regulatory independence of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Creating an Environmental Restoration Fund to support long-term remediation.

They also demanded profit-sharing opportunities for host communities and the inclusion of gas flaring cessation in divestment agreements.

The Coalition stressed that approving Shell’s SPDC share sale without addressing environmental and social liabilities would undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and well-being.

“Approving Shell’s or TotalEnergies’ divestment in its current form without addressing the profound environmental and social costs would be a grave injustice to the people of the Niger Delta and could lead to significant unrest in the region.”, it stated.

The Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring environmental justice and called on President Tinubu and the National Assembly to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over corporate interests.

News

NUJ-FCT Council Commiserates With Emmanuel Fateman Over the Loss of Wife

Published

34 minutes ago

December 19, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigeria Union of Journalists ( FCT ) Council has commiserated with Mr. Emmanuel Fateman of the Inside Source Magazine over death of his dear wife, Mrs Temidayo Fateman.

Mrs Fateman reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday December 18th 2024 after a brief illness at Alliance Hospital, Garki, Abuja.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle and made available to journalists on Thursday in Abuja, he described the late Temidayo as a woman with a large heart who is passionate to the cause of humanity.

The statement reads: “ With heavy heart, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council is using this medium to express our sympathy to Mr. Emmanuel Fateman and his entire family over the demise of his wife, Mrs. Temidayo Fateman.

“Words alone cannot express the sorrow we feel for your loss. We hope you will find comfort in the love and support of those around you.

“She ran the race that God set before her. We are sad that she is no more here with us. But we will always celebrate the memory and legacy that she left behind.

“Temidayo is an embodiment of humility, dedication and love. She is a shining star and role model to the younger generation.

“To us at the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ) her death was a rude shock and It is unfortunate that she also left us in a painful way when we are trying to recover from the shock arising from the sudden deaths of many of our colleagues, wives and relatives.

“We want to use this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to the immediate family she left behind”.

41 years old Temidayo hailed from Abeokuta, Ogun State and is survived by her husband and two children.

The burial arrangement will be announced by the family in due course.

News

Reps Debate 2025 Budget Estimates, Demand Better Allocation for Security, Agriculture

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has approved the 2025 budget proposal for a second reading, calling for better funding for security and agriculture.

During Thursday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, lawmakers debated the N49.7 trillion budget presented by President Bola Tinubu.

The debate was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere to authorize withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Rep. Ihonvbere who called for support, emphasised that the budget addresses key national challenges, “This proposal focuses on issues affecting Nigerians. It deserves swift consideration and passage”.

The budget highlighted defence, infrastructure, and human capital development. Defence and security were allocated N4.91 trillion, infrastructure N4.06 trillion for key highways, while education and health sectors received N3.52 trillion and N2.48 trillion respectively. The budget projects N34.82 trillion in revenue, leaving a N13.39 trillion deficit to be financed through borrowing.

Key economic assumptions include reducing inflation from 34.6% to 15% and improving the naira exchange rate from N1,700/$ to N1,500/$. Oil production is targeted at 2.06 million barrels per day.

Lawmakers’ Contributions

Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, lawmaker representing Kebbe/Tambuwal federal constituency of Sokoto state, commended President Tinubu’s leadership but called for a review of budget estimates. He also criticized the allocation to the North-West Development Commission, questioning the criteria used.

“On paper, this budget looks robust, but in dollar terms, it falls short. The Finance Committee must address this,” he urged.

Rep Ismaila Dabo (Bauchi) emphasised the need for adequate funding for agriculture, citing rising food prices. He also urged the government to focus on revenue generation rather than excessive borrowing.

“Inflation on food is unbearable. Agriculture needs proper funding to ease the burden on Nigerians,” he said.

Rep Ahmad Jaha, representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok, Federal constituency of Borno state stressed the importance of security funding.

“Security is crucial to achieving other targets, including oil production. The N4.91 trillion allocated is inadequate,” he noted.

Rep Jeremiah Umaru from Nasarawa State, questioned the allocation to the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), even as he cited the absence of a constituted board and argued that the allocation was premature.

Deputy Chief Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi advocated increased funding for the South-East Development Commission (SEDC).

“The allocation for the SEDC is insufficient for its take-off. More funding is needed,” he argued.

Concerns Over Projections

Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda criticized the economic targets, and said that they are unrealistic.

“Reducing inflation to 15% and improving the exchange rate to N1,500/$ are overly ambitious. These projections do not align with current realities,” he stated.

Call for Peace Initiatives

Rep Chike Okafor from Imo state, urged the Federal Government to explore non-violent solutions to security challenges, including the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

“Releasing Kanu could aid peace efforts in the South-East,” he said.

The House adjourned plenary until January 14, 2025.