- The House of Representatives has passed a bill seeking to provide a six-year single term for president and governors through first reading
- Some Nigerians have reacted to the news on social media
- While some condemn the bill, others believe the lawmakers should focus on other important issues
A bill seeking to amend the 1999 constitution to allow presidents and governors serve for a six-year single term has passed the first reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which is seeking to amend some sections in the constitution like Sections 7, 135, 137, 180 and 182, was sponsored by Honourable Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency and 50 others.
According to report, “Clause 2 seeks to amend Section 7 of the Principal Act by inserting a new subsection (5) immediately after the extant subsection 4 and before the extant subsection 5 as follows, “(5) A holder of the office of a Local Government Chairman shall vacate his office at expiration of a period of six years commencing from the date such holder was elected into office.
Clause 3 of the bill seeks to amend Section 135 subsections (2), (2A) and (3) of the Principal Act by replacing the word “four” with “six” to read:
“(2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six (6) years single tenure commencing from the date, when – (a) in the case of a person first elected as President under this Constitution, he took the Oath of Allegiance and the oath of office; and
(b) in any other case, the person last elected to that office under this Constitution took the Oath of Allegiance and oath of office or would, but for his death, have taken such Oaths.
“(2A) in the determination of the six year term, where a re-run election has taken place and the person earlier sworn wins the re-run election, the time spent in the office before the date the election was annulled, shall be taken into account…”
Nigerians react to 6-year tenure bill passing first reading
Netizens have taken to social media to react to the bill, expressing their anger at the lawmakers for even thinking about the idea. Some people believe that no matter the antagonism the bill faces from Nigerians online, the bill will be passed into law and nothing will happen because Nigerians are only vocal about their troubles on social media.
@African_unifier posted: “No one is questioning these people that’s why they wake up and implement whatever they like.”
@Its_Olayinnka posted: “Lmao. This is the first step. The next one will be six years double term.”
@ObedRaven posted: “At it stands now let's make it 3yrs am serious because anyone who survives this present government deserves graduation gown.”
@bunmi_speaks posted: “Lol It will happen, because they know Nigerians too well and know that these mumu people will only shout online about it and then go back to their normal lives afterward. Can't blame them since Nigerians have refused to accept the harsh reality that Nigeria is not for them and as a result, cannot work for them. So why not take full advantage and eat as much free lunch as possible whenever it becomes your turn to get a share of the "national" cake?”
@iam__temmyyy posted: “Two terms which amount to eight years has proved unproductive in some states but they want to pass bill for six-years single term?? Which kain country be this tori olorun?”
@Kayloaded1 posted: “This is not going your to help our development in any way. It’s only going to favour the politicians. Are you aware that it’s the fear of reelection that makes some of these politicians behave and do some of the things they do. If not, you will just keep changing people every 6 years with nothing to show for it.”
@ikenna_nwani posted: “If that works, Tinubu will go for another 6 years and before the six years elapses, he will make it a double term, he has the judiciary in his pocket, Nigerians will make noise online, catch cruise with it, watch BNN and argue about housemates, case closed, Nigerians will always adapt.”
@FknFootball posted: “I am okay with it, so far as it does not start with this administration. Let them complete their 4 years and get out.”
@stardudefire posted: “So meaning they're working on a bill to allow Tinubu to rule for 12 years. I love it but I think they should make it 30 years since we are all mad in this country.”
@Sire_Sammi posted: “We need that constant fear of losing re-election to keep politicians in line. We can make it 3yrs term that can be renewed once. With that it’s still 6years if they manage to survive re-election.”
@Dostronicss posted: “This is a concerning development. Limiting the president and governors to a single six-year term could hinder long-term planning and stability. Without the possibility of re-election, there might be less accountability to the electorate, as leaders could be less motivated to deliver on their promises and more focused on their personal agendas. This change could also lead to frequent shifts in policy direction, disrupting continuity and progress.”
House of Death: 10th National Assembly has lost 4 members since inauguration
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that the political scene in Nigeria had been grim, following the passing of four lawmakers in the space of one year.
These individuals, through their efforts and commitment to their respective causes, have influenced the legislative processes in the National Assembly but their constituencies would have loved for them to live longer.