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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The 34 members of the House of Representatives behind the bill proposing a six-year single term for the president and governors in the country have said it will be represented to the parliament at a later date. The House at Thursday’s plenary rejected the bill, which also proposed the rotation of the office of president, governor and local government areas among the north and south, senatorial zones and wards respectively.
Nevertheless, the lead sponsor, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, in a statement, on Friday, said all hope is not lost on the constitution alteration bills. Ugochinyere noted that more consultations would be done on the bill, after which it would be represented to the House at a later date.
“This is a temporary set back which does not affect the campaign for all inclusive democratic process. We are going to review this decision and find possible ways of reintroducing it after following due legislative procedures. 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 cost, 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.”
