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Published on 2024-04-17 15:40:40
Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has proposed that Nigeria should consider adopting a parliamentary system of government. According to Obi, the current presidential system in Nigeria is not functioning effectively, leading to a lack of accountability in leadership. He believes that transitioning to a parliamentary system would allow for more regular interaction between the people and their leaders, promoting transparency and accountability.
During a lecture at Harvard Law School in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, Obi expressed his views on the need for a change in the system of government in Nigeria. He highlighted the shortcomings of the current presidential system, pointing out that it allows leaders to distance themselves from the people and avoid direct accountability. In a parliamentary system, the president would be a member of parliament and would be required to answer to the people on a regular basis, ensuring that elected officials remain connected to those they serve.
Obi emphasized that the presidential system in Nigeria enables leaders to avoid direct communication with the public, as they can delegate their responsibilities to others. This lack of accountability can lead to ineffective governance and a disconnect between the government and the citizens. By contrast, in a parliamentary system, the president would be compelled to engage with the people, providing them with the opportunity to hold their leaders accountable for their actions and decisions.
The former governor also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its handling of the 2023 general election, describing the commission’s report on the polls as inadequate and untimely. Obi’s concerns reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the state of governance in Nigeria and a growing recognition of the need for systemic change.
Overall, Peter Obi’s advocacy for a parliamentary system of government in Nigeria is rooted in the belief that such a system would promote greater transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in leadership. By advocating for a shift away from the current presidential system, Obi is calling for a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s political landscape to better serve the interests of its people.Only time will tell if this proposal gains traction and leads to meaningful reform in the country’s governance structure.
Read the original article on Legit.ng
