Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Seun Opejobi
Published on 2024-04-17 08:42:21
The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, recently spoke at a lecture at Harvard Law School in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, advocating for a parliamentary system of government in Nigeria. He expressed his belief that the current presidential system in Nigeria is not working effectively, leading to the emergence of bad leaders who are not held accountable to the people for their actions.
Obi emphasized the need for a system where the president can interact with citizens on a regular basis, suggesting a parliamentary system where the president is also a member of parliament. He highlighted the advantages of such a system, including the ability to move a motion of no confidence within a shorter period of time, holding leaders accountable sooner rather than waiting for a full four-year term.
In his speech, Obi pointed out the flaws of the current presidential system, where leaders can easily distance themselves from the people and avoid direct communication by appointing spokespersons or hiring individuals to speak on their behalf. He stressed the importance of the president being directly responsible for answering to the electorate, rather than delegating this role to others.
By advocating for a parliamentary system, Obi aims to establish a more transparent and accountable government structure in Nigeria. He believes that by ensuring the president is a member of parliament and requires to answer questions on a regular basis, the citizens will have a more direct and meaningful connection with their elected leader.
Obi’s call for a parliamentary system reflects his commitment to improving governance and promoting citizen engagement in Nigeria. He envisions a system where the president is held responsible for his actions and decisions, and where the people have a voice in the government’s functioning.
Overall, Peter Obi’s proposal for a parliamentary system of government in Nigeria highlights the importance of accountability, transparency, and direct communication between the leader and the electorate. His vision for a more responsive and accountable government resonates with the need for reforms in the current system to ensure effective governance and representation of the people’s interests.
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