November 22, 2024
By Idris Buba
Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, PDP Imo state and Thirty-three other members of the House of Representatives who sponsored a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to adopt a six-year single term for the offices of the President, state governors, and local government chairmen have expressed optimism about the bill.
The bill, which amongst others also proposed zonal rotation of presidential and governorship seats and the holding of all elections on a single day, was rejected on Thursday during plenary.
However, the lead sponsor, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/South Federal Constituency, had said in a statement that the rejection does not mark the end of the push for constitutional reforms in governance.
“The decision on the floor of the House today not to allow the bill for a six-year single tenure for the presidency and governorship, for power to rotate between the North and South, and for all elections to hold in one day does not put an end to our agitation and hope to realize this objective.”
Ugochinyere, described the rejection as temporary, stating that they embark on further consultations and legislative procedures to reintroduce the bill.
READ MORE; Reps Reject Bill Seeking Single Six-year Term, Zonal Rotation For President, Governors
“This is a temporary setback. We will review the decision and explore ways to reintroduce the bill through due legislative process. Our advocacy will continue as we strive to convince our colleagues to support these reforms,” he noted.
He enumerated the benefits of the proposed reforms, emphasizing that holding elections on the same day would reduce costs while rotational power would ease political tensions and that a six-year single term, would allow leaders to focus on governance rather than thinking of a second term.
“If elections are held in one day, it will reduce costs and rigging. If power rotates, it will help de-escalate political tensions. A six-year single term will enable elected leaders to focus on delivering their democratic mandate. All hope is not lost; we remain committed to this advocacy,” he said.
The thirty- four sponsors pledged to continue pushing for these reforms, optimistic of support of their colleagues with time.
