The former vice president and 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the House of Representatives for rejecting the bill that proposed a six-year tenure for Nigerian presidents and governors.
He described the lawmakers’ decision as unfortunate, stating that they failed to recognize that Nigeria is at a critical juncture.
The bill, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere and 33 others, was dismissed through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary session.
This bill which suggested a single six-year term for elected presidents and governors across the nation, was also thrown out under Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
Also, Atiku had submitted a memo to the National Assembly earlier in October calling for a rotation of the presidency between the North and South.
Reacting to the House’s decision, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, mentioned that his principal had expected that the bill would encourage those elected to focus on fulfilling their responsibilities to the public, aiming to reduce political distractions for presidents and governors.
He said, “So, it is sad that it was rejected, and we need to ensure that the laws we make promote the well-being of Nigerians and strengthen democracy in both word and deed.
“That is what this law was meant to do. Unfortunately, the House did not see this. It is unfortunate, and we hope that it is revisited, so they can realise that they have made a mistake”.
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