From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for a constitutional amendment to establish a single five or six-year term for presidents and governors across Nigeria, arguing that the current two-term system hampers effective governance.
Governor Makinde made the proposal on Friday at his residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, where he received a delegation of Muslim faithful shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers held at the Eid Ground in Agodi.
The delegation, led by Deputy Governor, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, included prominent figures such as, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; former deputy governor and PDP, and also Deputy National Chairman, Amb Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors Hazeem Gbolarumi and Hamid Gbadamosi; federal lawmaker Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin; and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawodu Makanjuola.
Governor Makinde congratulated the Muslim community on the occasion and expressed gratitude for their support throughout his six years in office. He urged continued prayers for his administration. Reflecting on his time in office, Makinde noted that disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and political distractions from re-election campaigns had limited the time available for focused governance.
“I have spent six years already, but due to COVID-19 and the demands of re-election campaigns, I believe the effective time for actual governance has been about five years.
“That’s why I believe a single five- or six-year term would allow leaders to focus more on delivering results without the distractions of a second-term campaign,” Makinde said. He emphasised that the suggestion was not for personal gain, but rather a call to begin a national conversation on constitutional reforms that would improve governance in Nigeria. Delivering a message on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Senator Ladoja urged continued support for the Makinde administration and prayed for its success.