Aregbesola Backs Calls To Scrap Presidential System Of Gov’t

Former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has backed calls to scrap the executive presidential system of government, saying it is unsustainable for the nation.

Aregbesola made this known at the ongoing national dialogue on the constitutional future of Nigeria, organized by The Patriots — a Pan-Nigerian Group of Eminent National Leaders of Thought in honour of renowned constitutional lawyer Prof. Ben Nwabueze.

It has the theme ‘Lawful Procedures for Actualising a People’s Constitution for Nigeria.’

Speaking at the event, Aregbesola drew on his political experience which includes serving as a commissioner in Lagos State, governor of Osun State, and minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the presidential system poses an important threat to Nigeria’s stability, labeling it a “death knell” for Nigeria.

He said, “Can Nigeria survive executive presidential representation? The answer is no.”

He noted the importance of productive representation over mere residency, suggesting that those engaged in productive endeavors should have a greater role in governance.

“In seeking appropriate democratic representation let’s look at production as a basis of representation. We don’t have the best form of representation. People are engaged more in production. Productive acts and those engaged in production should be given the opportunity to elect their best,” he stated

Aregbesola’s call follows a bill proposing a transition from the presidential to parliamentary system of government which passed its first reading in the House of Representatives on February 14, 2024.

Titled “The Bill Proposing Constitutional Alterations for a Transition to the Parliamentary System of Government,” the legislation, was sponsored by 60 members of the House led by Wale Raji (APC: Lagos)

Meanwhile, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, while commending the National Assembly for considering measures to cut the cost of governance and restructure the political system, had similarly supported the move towards a parliamentary system.

“Is okay, what the country needs now is not just a shift from one system of government to another. There is a fundamental need to have the country return to the type of arrangement we had before the military incursion in 1966.

“goes beyond the system of government being run. It weighs more heavily on the structure. This is why we are insisting that the country must be restructured. Any tinkering with the Constitution that fails to address the present structure would be cosmetic,” Afenifera’s statement read.

Also, a business mogul, Aminu Dantata, backed the proposed change in the governance system.

He gave his support when he hosted members of the House of Representatives spearheading the bill at his Kano residence.

Dantata expressed optimism that the advocacy for reform would garner further support, stressing the importance of a governance framework that fosters economic stability.