Renowned elder statesman Alhaji Aminu Dantata has thrown his support behind the proposed transition from a presidential system of government to a parliamentary system, citing its cost efficiency as a primary advantage.
Dantata voiced his endorsement during discussions on Thursday, emphasizing the economic benefits of the parliamentary model over the current presidential system. His remarks came during a consultation visit by members of the House of Representatives advocating for the transition, held at his residence in Kano.
This move comes on the heels of the House of Representatives passing a bill for the first reading titled “The Bills proposing constitutional alterations for a transition to a parliamentary system of government.” Sponsored by sixty lawmakers, the bill was introduced during Wednesday’s plenary session in Abuja.
Speaking to reporters after the plenary session, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, representing Sokoto under the PDP and spokesperson for the sixty-member group, outlined the rationale behind the proposed alterations. He highlighted the perceived flaws of the current presidential system, including its high cost of governance and the concentration of power in the executive branch.
Dasuki stressed that the proposed transition seeks to realign governance with the principles laid down by the nation’s founders, promoting accountability, responsibility, responsiveness, and cost-effectiveness in governance.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of sparking a national dialogue on the future of Nigeria’s governance system. The aim is to engage in robust public debates, stakeholder consultations, and expert analyses to ensure an informed decision-making process regarding the proposed constitutional alterations.
In his closing remarks, Dasuki underscored the historic nature of the proposed transition, highlighting the bipartisan and nationwide support behind the bills seeking constitutional alterations. These bills advocate for a transition to a parliamentary system of government at all levels – federal, state, and local government – marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.
