Former Governor Osunbor opposes parliamentary system switch, cites past failures

Former governor of Edo State and law professor, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor, has sharply criticised proposals to replace Nigeria’s presidential system with a parliamentary model, describing the suggestion as illogical and sentimental. Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Osunbor argued that proponents of the parliamentary system fail to address the flaws that led to its collapse during Nigeria’s First Republic.

“Nigeria adopted a parliamentary system at independence in 1960, but it contributed significantly to the collapse of the First Republic within five years,” Osunbor stated. “By contrast, the presidential system has endured for 29 years, proving to be more stable and effective.”

Osunbor dismissed claims that a parliamentary system is cheaper and limits executive power, insisting that the root cause of governance challenges lies with societal attitudes. “The costliness of governance and tendencies toward pseudo-dictatorship are not inherent to the presidential system but are a reflection of the Nigerian society,” he said. He added that similar issues could arise under a parliamentary system, citing historical examples such as the excesses of First Republic officials and political unrest in the Western Region.

Osunbor warned against frequent experimentation with Nigeria’s system of governance, likening it to the erratic hiring of foreign and local football coaches without addressing core issues like commitment and discipline. “Governance should not be reduced to our style of football administration,” he said.

On a related note, Osunbor criticised the indiscriminate use of the term “parliament” to describe the National Assembly. “The 1999 Constitution refers to the National Assembly, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. There is no mention of a ‘parliament.’ Referring to it as such creates confusion, particularly for foreigners who may assume Nigeria operates a hybrid or parliamentary system,” he said.

He called on lawmakers and media professionals to adhere to constitutional terminology, noting that accurate language fosters clarity and respect for the nation’s governance framework. “Rather than mislead the public, senators should say ‘this Senate’ or ‘this Chamber,’ while members of the House of Representatives should use ‘this House’ or ‘this Chamber.’ This avoids unnecessary misconceptions.”

Osunbor concluded with a call for focus on addressing deeper issues in governance rather than cyclically revisiting constitutional changes. “Without changing our attitude to governance, we will continue going in circles, perpetually shifting from one system to another without any meaningful progress,” he warned.

As debates about Nigeria’s governance structure persist, Osunbor’s remarks highlight the need for a deeper understanding of history and context in shaping the country’s political future.