A Bill to Provide for the Office of the Prime Minister as Head of Government and the Office of President as Head of State and to Provide for a Framework for the Mode of Election to the Said Offices and for Related Matters
Representatives are working toward the goal of the parliamentary form of government being reinstated in Nigeria.
Over the course of the First Republic, Nigeria was governed by a parliamentary system. During that time, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa served as Prime Minister, while Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was the ceremonial President.
The system, which was in place from 1960 until the military coup in 1966, gave the Prime Minister, who was selected from the party that held the majority in parliament, the capacity to exercise executive power. The President, on the other hand, was the person who served as the Head of State.
The House of Representatives has passed a bill that allows the establishment of the Office of the Prime Minister as the head of government and the Office of the President as the head of state, as well as the establishment of a framework for the election process for both of these offices.
The proposed legislation was one of the 32 constitutional amendment bills that were passed by the legislative during a plenary session that took place on Thursday, March 27. The session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Kingsley Chinda, the minority leader, and 59 other senators introduced the bill to amend the Constitution of 1999 in order to create a legislative framework that would transfer executive power from the President to a Prime Minister chosen by the legislature.
The bill titled: A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Office of the Prime Minister as Head of Government and the Office of President as Head of State and to Provide for a Framework for the Mode of Election to the Said Offices and for Related Matters.”
In addition to the Prime Minister bill, the House passed several other important bills for second reading, including: “A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to review the requirements that qualify a person to be elected as President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governors and Deputy Governor of a State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for Related Matters,” sponsored by Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, an Imo politician.
According to the bill: Presidential and gubernatorial candidates must not be older than 60 years at the time of contesting.
Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area: This bill proposes the creation of an additional LGA in Imo State to enhance administrative and developmental efforts.
Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments: Sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill aims to ensure inclusivity in governance by reserving positions for young people and persons with disabilities.
Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List: Also sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill seeks to grant both federal and state governments the power to regulate trade and commerce, boosting economic activity nationwide.
Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, this bill aims to increase female representation in legislative bodies.
Judicial Reform Bills: Timelines for Justice Administration Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – Seeks to expedite judicial processes.
Increase in Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Bello Kaoje) – Proposes an increase in the number of justices to improve efficiency.
Creation of New States: Creation of Wan State (North Central) Bill, Creation of Gobir State (Northwest) Bill.
Through these legislative efforts, the House of Representatives intends to alter the structure of governance in Nigeria, encourage the inclusion of youth and gender, and improve the efficiency of the economy and the judicial system.