According to 234Next, the President wants to send a bill to the National Assembly that will ensure a single term, with no option of a second, for the President and the governors of all 36 states of Nigeria. But he proposes that the term will be a bit longer than the current 4 years.
According to Reuben Abati, Presidential Spokesman, they believe that the "constitutionally guaranteed two terms for presidents and governors is not helping the focus of governance and institutionalisation of democracy at this stage of our development. A longer term for lawmakers would also help to stabilise the polity."
Mr. Abati also reassured the public that President Goodluck will, in no way, be a beneficiary, should the House of Assembly approve the bill. If it is approved, it will not go into effect until 2015.
I guess I can understand where they are coming from. With no chance of a re-election, politicians might actually focus on governing, and not planning their next campaign. It is a good plan.
BUT, with all the pressing issues Nigeria is faced with, one would think he would focus more on those. And somebody raised a point that this would only lead politicians to steal money at a faster rate than usual.
Let us know what you think, is this plan in Nigeria's best interest or not?
Till Next Time, Don't Dull!
Tola&Tope
Yes, I believe Nigeria has more pressing issues for the President to deal with at this point in time.
ReplyDeleteI will however raise a few points in support of Single term - 6 years.
Economy and human toll. The second term bid by our politicians effects adversely on the nation's economy. Our treasury is looted and the politicians see it as a do or die affair, in the process a lot of havocs are caused and lives were taken. By the end of the 1st year of the 4-year term, when they have settled in the office and comfortable in their environment, the majority of the politicians are only busy with 2nd term re-election. In the process they leave the work of governance undone and they are only busy enriching themselve (for 2nd term re-election financing) and their cronies (those they believe will make the second term possible). Two examples only out of so many are: Adebayo A. Akala, former Oyo State governor. The state is yet to recover from all the havocs he caused. Also Gbenga Daniel, former governor, Ogun State. Such governors (mind you, more than 50%) literarily destroyed the states they are meant to govern (leaders are meant to be instrument of blessings o) all because of their 2nd term agenda.
Why Single term? Single term will eliminate this ambition, greed and waste.
Why 6 years? I suggest 5 yrs can do as well. And even as this idea is being proposed, there should be a caveat that allow for impeachment of greeding and useless politicians/CEOs.
All said, what we need most in Nigeria are God-fearing, sincere and selfless leaders. May God help us IJMN