A bill aimed at restoring Nigeria’s parliamentary system of government has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and 59 other lawmakers, seeks to restructure the country’s governance framework by introducing the office of a Prime Minister as the Head of Government and a President as the ceremonial Head of State.

During Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the bill was among 31 constitutional amendment proposals that successfully scaled second reading.

If enacted, executive powers will shift from a directly elected President to a Prime Minister chosen by the legislature, echoing Nigeria’s First Republic governance structure.

The bill, formally titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for the Office of the Prime Minister as Head of Government and the Office of President as Head of State and to Provide for a Framework for the Mode of Election to the Said Offices and for Related Matters (HB.1115),” is part of a broader push by lawmakers to amend the 1999 Constitution.

On February 14, 2024, 60 legislators introduced three bills proposing a shift from the presidential to the parliamentary system by 2031. These bills—HB.1115, HB.1116, and HB.1117—outline constitutional alterations necessary for the transition.

Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Abdussamad Dasuki emphasized the urgent need for reform, pointing out flaws in the current system.

“Over the years, the imperfections of the presidential system of government have become glaring to all, despite several alterations to the constitution to address the shortcomings of a system that has denied the nation the opportunity of attaining its full potential.

“Among these imperfections are the high cost of governance, leaving fewer resources for crucial areas like infrastructure, education and healthcare, and consequently hindering the nation’s development progress, and the excessive powers vested in the members of the executive, who are appointees and not directly accountable to the people.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s historical experience with parliamentary governance, Dasuki recalled the First Republic, when executive and legislative powers were concentrated in parliament.

“That (parliamentary) was the governance system of the First Republic, a period when legislative and executive powers were exercised by the representatives of the people in parliament and in the executive, and by the nature of the system, these representatives were accountable to the people. For six years while it was in operation, the system worked for the country,” he said.

Supporters of the bill argue that restoring the parliamentary system will foster greater accountability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in governance.

They believe the shift will lead to a more responsible and responsive government while reducing financial burdens on the nation.

The House of Representatives has reversed its earlier decision to pass for second reading an amendment bill seeking to remove the immunity granted to the vice president, governors, and deputy governors.

The lawmakers also rescinded their decision on a separate bill aimed at reviewing capital punishment provisions in the constitution.

The move comes amid backlash over the passage of the bills without extensive debate.

Lawmakers opted to withdraw them to allow for further discussion before any final decision is made.

During Thursday’s plenary, House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion to rescind the second reading passage of the bills and have them relisted for debate.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who presided over the session, emphasized the importance of a thorough deliberation on such critical legislative changes.

“The decision to rescind the passage of the bills was to enable lawmakers to thoroughly debate the bills before passage, given their sensitive nature,” Kalu said.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that the bill proposing the removal of immunity for certain public officeholders had originally passed its second reading on Wednesday.

Sponsored by Rep. Solomon Bob (Rivers PDP), the bill sought to amend Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to eliminate immunity for the vice president, governors, and deputy governors.

According to its sponsors, the amendment aims to prevent abuse of office and promote transparency in governance.

The bill’s official title states:

“A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to qualify the immunity conferred on the President, remove the immunity conferred on the Vice President, the Governors and their deputies, in order to curb corruption, eradicate impunity and enhance accountability in public office and for Related Matters.”

Additionally, the House withdrew a separate bill that had passed second reading on Wednesday.

Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Kalu and six others, the bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to review penalties for certain capital offenses in alignment with international best practices.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced amendments to its constitution aimed at expanding its membership base and providing a more accessible platform for Nigerians aspiring to contest elections.

Following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the party’s National Chairman, Chief Ralphs Nwosu, disclosed that the changes would allow more Nigerians to run on the ADC platform without prior membership restrictions.

According to Nwosu, the party remains committed to offering a credible alternative for qualified and patriotic Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.

As part of its efforts to foster unity and inclusivity, the ADC is introducing a symbolic “Handshake” Ritual, a nationwide ceremony to be observed every October 1st.

Another key amendment includes the waiver of the two-year membership requirement previously needed to contest elections or hold party positions.

Under the new rules, new members will be eligible to contest immediately after joining the party.

The ADC is also gearing up for a national convention, during which Nwosu confirmed he would not seek re-election as National Chairman.

He stressed the importance of fresh leadership to mobilize Nigerians and drive a movement centered on accountability and transparency.

Addressing speculation about a potential alliance with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Nwosu clarified:

“I have not seen Mr. Peter Obi for the past one year, so we couldn’t have been in talks.

However, if he sees what we are doing and decides to join us, our doors are open.”

Regarding broader coalition efforts for the 2027 elections, he acknowledged ongoing discussions with the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and several civil society organizations.

The goal, he emphasized, is to work collectively towards credible leadership in Nigeria.

“We will look Nigerians in the face and say, ‘Enough is enough.’ We will beg Nigerians to accept true leaders.”

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has adopted a referendum to establish 12 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs), aiming to bring governance closer to the people and enhance service delivery.

With this decision, the number of LGAs in the state will rise from 13 to 25.

Lawmakers believe the expansion will help address developmental and economic challenges while correcting perceived imbalances in LGA distribution based on landmass and population density.

The resolution was unanimously approved during plenary at the State Legislative Complex, Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki.

The proposed LGAs include:

• Ikwo South and Ikwo North from Ikwo LGA
• Ekumenyi from Abakaliki LGA
• Ebyia from Izzi LGA
• Ndiagbo from Edda LGA
• Ishielu South from Ishielu LGA
• Akaeze, Ukaba, and Effium from Ivo, Onicha, and Ohaukwu LGAs
• Izzikworo, Amohai, and Imoha from Ezza-South, Ezza-North, and Afikpo LGAs

Once officially gazetted, these LGAs are expected to strengthen governance, alleviate economic hardship, and ensure more equitable resource distribution across the state.

The motion for adoption was moved by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Prince Nkemka Okoro-Onuma (Edda West Constituency), and seconded by Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu (Ikwo North Constituency).

Meanwhile, at the same plenary session, the House passed the first reading of a bill to establish the Ebonyi State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission.

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading a bill that seeks to bar individuals above 60 years from contesting for the offices of President and Governor in Nigeria.

Sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the bill proposes amendments to the 1999 Constitution to revise the eligibility criteria for these high-level political positions.

Under the proposed amendments:

• Presidential and gubernatorial candidates must not be older than 60 years at the time of contesting.
• Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study.

The bill seeks to amend Section 131 of the Constitution to introduce the age limit for presidential candidates and Section 177 to apply the same requirement for governorship aspirants.

Beyond the age limit bill, the House also passed several other key bills for second reading, including:

• Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill – Sponsored by Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, this bill aims to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.
• Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area – Seeks to create a new LGA in Imo State to boost development and governance.
• Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments Bill – Sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill proposes reserving positions in governance for young people and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusivity.
• Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List – Also sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill would allow both the federal and state governments to regulate trade and commerce, potentially enhancing economic growth.
• Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill – Sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, this bill seeks to increase female representation in legislative bodies.

Additionally, the House considered judicial reform bills, including:

• Timelines for Justice Administration Bill – Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, this bill aims to expedite judicial processes.
• Increase in Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill – Sponsored by Rep. Bello Kaoje, it proposes an increase in the number of justices to improve judicial efficiency.

The House also deliberated on proposals for the creation of new states, including:

• Creation of Wan State (North Central) Bill
• Creation of Gobir State (Northwest) Bill

The video

A member of the House of Representatives, Clara Nnabuife, has announced her defection from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Nnabuife, who represents the Orumba North/Orumba South Federal Constituency in Anambra State, attributed her decision to her exclusion from party activities, which she described as a key factor in her move.

During Thursday’s plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, read her letter of defection.

In the letter, Nnabuife explained that APGA offers a more suitable platform for her to champion the interests of her constituents.

“The exclusion from YPP activities and the need to embrace a more effective platform for representing the wishes of my people are the reasons for this decision,” the letter stated in part.