Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for a change in Nigeria’s political structure by proposing a single term of five or six years for elected leaders at all levels.
He made this suggestion on Friday at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, after joining Muslim faithful, traditional rulers, and political leaders in celebrating Eid-el-Kabir.
During the gathering, which was led by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, and attended by dignitaries such as former Governor Rashidi Ladoja and former deputy governors, Makinde explained that the current system, which allows for two four-year terms, often distracts leaders from delivering their full responsibilities.
He said he had spent six years in office and that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the distractions of election campaigns, only about five of those years had been spent focusing fully on governance.
He said that cutting off distractions like second-term campaigns would allow elected leaders to devote all their energy to development.
Makinde stressed the need for a constitutional amendment to make this possible, pointing out that the matter had already been brought to the National Assembly’s attention in the past.
He said a single term system could work well for Nigeria and allow elected officials to serve the people more effectively within a set period.
Also present at the event, traditional leaders expressed their support for the governor and thanked him for prioritising the well-being of workers and residents through prompt salary payments.
They called for more cooperation from the people so the government can continue delivering its promises.
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