In a surprising legislative move, sixty members of the House of Representatives proposed a bill on Wednesday aimed at amending Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to transition the nation from a presidential to a parliamentary system.
Among the bill’s notable sponsors was Wale Raji, an influential lawmaker representing Lagos State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant milestone as the proposal received its first reading in the House of Representatives.
Citing the imperative to streamline government expenditures and foster vibrant policy discussions, the lawmakers articulated their rationale for advocating a return to the parliamentary model.
Central to the proposed shift is the distinction between the two systems: while a presidential system entails direct election of the president by the populace, a parliamentary system invests supreme authority in the legislature, electing a prime minister from its ranks to helm the government.
Furthermore, the absence of a strict division of powers between the legislative and executive branches in a parliamentary setup, where ministers are appointed by parliament, underscores the nuanced dynamics at play.
However, for the bill to materialize into law and be enshrined in the Constitution, it must secure the president’s assent.
Nonetheless, should the president withhold assent, the National Assembly retains the prerogative to override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote—a pivotal consideration in the legislative journey ahead.
