Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a highly respected elder statesman, has conveyed his endorsement for the shift from a presidential system of government to a parliamentary one.
Dantata shared his perspective, emphasizing the advantages of the parliamentary system over the presidential system, particularly underscoring its cost-effectiveness.
This sentiment was expressed during a consultation visit by some members of the House of Representatives who are championing the transition, and they visited him at his residence in Kano.
A total of sixty members of the House of Representatives introduced a bill proposing constitutional alterations to transition from the current presidential system to a parliamentary system of government. The bill, titled "The Bills proposing constitutional alterations for a transition to a parliamentary system of government," was read for the first time during Wednesday’s plenary in Abuja.
Speaking after the plenary, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (Sokoto, PDP), the spokesperson for the sixty-member group, highlighted that the proposed alterations would have a significant impact on the national political landscape. He pointed out the shortcomings of the Presidential System of Government over the years, such as high governance costs that limit resources for crucial areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Dasuki emphasized the excessive powers vested in executive members, who are appointees and not directly accountable to the people. He added that the bills aim to return to the governance system adopted by the nation's founders, promoting accountability, responsibility, responsiveness, and ultimately reducing expenses.
He explained that the presentation of these bills is intended to spark a national conversation about the future of Nigeria's governance system. The goal is to ensure robust public debates, stakeholder consultations, expert analyses, and a thorough and informed decision-making process. This initiative aims to raise awareness about significant developments and encourage constructive dialogue on the potential implications of the proposed constitutional alterations.
In Dasuki's words, "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."
