Reps Throw Out Bill Advocating Six-Year Term For Presidents, Governors

In a dramatic session on the floor of the House of Representatives, a proposed bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to introduce a single six-year term for the President, State Governors, and Local Government Chairmen met stiff resistance and was ultimately rejected by lawmakers.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) and 33 other legislators, aimed to alter key sections of the Constitution, including Sections 76, 116, 132, and 136, to institute the six-year single term.

It also proposed constitutional backing for a rotational presidency between the North and South and called for elections into all political offices to be held simultaneously on a single day.

During the plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the bill, which had previously passed the first reading in July, faced a fierce debate.

When it was eventually put to a voice vote, the opposition to the bill far outweighed its supporters, leading to its outright rejection.

Key Provisions Spark Controversy

The bill proposed sweeping changes, including the rotation of the presidency to ensure inclusivity, a mid-term performance review for governors, and measures to prevent individuals who served incomplete terms from contesting for another.

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One contentious provision was the recommendation that governors present a stewardship report after their third year in office, subject to a vote of confidence by the State House of Assembly. If the assembly was dissatisfied, the process for impeachment could be initiated.

Supporters of the bill argued that the six-year term would curb the frequent costs and distractions associated with four-year electoral cycles while promoting equity in the leadership of the country.

However, critics dismissed it as impractical and unnecessary, warning that it could lead to further political instability and manipulation.

Rotational Presidency and Single Election Day Also Rejected

The bill also sought to institutionalise rotational presidency between the North and South every six years to address the nation’s diversity.

Additionally, it called for all elections for federal and state offices to be held on the same day, a move the sponsors claimed would streamline the electoral process and reduce wastage.

However, lawmakers dismissed these provisions as overly ambitious, questioning their feasibility and relevance to the country’s pressing challenges.