Sponsors to present bill for six-year tenure again after rejection

Following the rejection of a bill seeking a six-year single term for Nigeria’s presidency by the House of Representatives on Thursday, members who sponsored the bill have described the development as a temporary setback.

According to them, more consultations would be done on the bill and represented at a later time.

The lead sponsor and member representing Ideato North South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere who stated this in a statement observed that the decision on the floor of the House does not put an end to agitation.

The bill which also seeks zonal rotation of presidential and governorship seats, as well as holding of the elections in one day was rejected at the plenary on Thursday.

Ugochinyere noted that the struggle to reform the nation’s constitutional democracy to be all-inclusive and provide avenue for justice, equity and fairness has not been lost.

“This is a temporary set back which does not affect the campaign for an inclusive democratic process. We are going to review this decision and find possible ways of reintroducing it after following due legislative procedures,” the lawmaker said.

“All I can tell Nigerians is that we will continue the advocacy and convince our colleagues to see reason with us. If elections are held in one day, it will reduce the cost and reduce rigging.

“If power rotates, it will help de-escalate. political tensions and six-year single term will go a long way in helping elective leaders focus on delivering their democratic mandate. All hope is not lost, we will continue the advocacy and we hope that when reintroduced our colleagues will support it.”

The sponsors of the bill had in June under the auspices of Reformed-minded Legislators, said the propositions of the bill would lead to a reduction in the cost of governance.

They noted that the move would unite the country and ensure a seamless transition and unprecedented development for the country.

The rejected bill seeks to alter Sections 76, 116, 132, 136, and some others of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

According to the general principles of the bill, “these amendments were to ensure inclusive governance and to curb wastages occasioned by four-year periodic elections.”