Aregbesola Backs Call for Nigeria’s Return to Parliamentary System, Citing Need for Collective Leadership
Aregbesola Backs Call for Nigeria’s Return to Parliamentary System, Citing Need for Collective Leadership
By Matthew Eloyi
Former Osun State Governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has voiced strong support for a shift from Nigeria’s current presidential system to a parliamentary system of government, arguing that the latter is better suited to meet the nation’s needs.
Speaking at a National Dialogue on Home-Grown Parliamentary System in Abuja, Aregbesola argued that collective governance is essential in a country as diverse as Nigeria.
“If you go on believing that an individual, no matter how beautiful, no matter how good, could have the capacity to govern 120 million people all alone without checks, we are joking,” Aregbesola said.
“I am opposed to the executive system of government. I believe the collective arrangement which the parliamentary system guarantees is best for a nation like Nigeria if indeed we are committed to advancing the interest of the large population and mass of our people,” he added.
The call to transition to a parliamentary system has gained momentum among lawmakers, with about 60 House of Representatives members proposing constitutional amendments for the change.
In February, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and other lawmakers introduced the “Bill Proposing Constitutional Alterations for a Transition to Parliamentary System of Government,” arguing it would reduce governance costs amid economic challenges.
In a statement, Abdussamad Dasuki, spokesperson for the bill’s sponsors, emphasised bipartisan and regional support for the proposal.
“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,” Dasuki said.
He added that repeated amendments to the presidential system have failed to address key issues, depriving the country of achieving its potential.
