Politics
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged a thoughtful reconsideration of the recently proposed bill that seeks a six-year single term for Nigeria’s President, Governors, and Local Government Council Chairmen. While the bill introduces a potential shift in Nigeria’s political structure, HURIWA emphasized that such reforms should be evaluated on their merits, rather than political sentiments or party affiliation. The association stressed the need for electoral reforms that ensure fairness, equity, and a level playing field for all candidates, irrespective of their political backgrounds.
While acknowledging the potential for stability in governance, HURIWA noted concerns shared by many Nigerians that such a policy could allow ineffective leaders to remain in power for an extended period. HURIWA acknowledged that many Nigerians fear that the bill could allow poor leaders to remain in office for extended periods, potentially causing the public to suffer under ineffective or oppressive policies. These fears, the association stressed, underline the importance of a vigilant and informed electorate. By exercising their voting rights responsibly, Nigerians can ensure that only leaders committed to public service and national development are elected into office.
HURIWA further proposed that any legislation introducing a six-year single term should include strong safeguards to prevent political actors from exploiting it for personal or partisan advantage. The association recommended that the bill, if passed, be made non-amendable for a specified period. This would preserve the integrity of the law, allowing sufficient time to assess its impact on governance and political stability before making adjustments.
The association also advocated for synchronized elections across all levels of government. According to HURIWA, simultaneous elections for the presidency, governorships, and legislative seats would promote fairness and reduce opportunities for undue influence by incumbents.
“Advanced democracies like the United States conduct elections on the same day to ensure that all candidates focus on their campaigns rather than interfering with other electoral processes. Nigeria can adopt a similar approach to minimize manipulation and enhance the credibility of its elections,” HURIWA stated.
The current staggered electoral system in Nigeria, the association argued, enables incumbents to exploit their positions to gain undue advantages. Synchronizing elections, HURIWA maintained, would create a more level playing field, ensuring that every candidate competes fairly based on their merits.
HURIWA also called for the introduction of a rotational system for the presidency to ensure equitable representation of all ethnic groups in Nigeria’s leadership. The association highlighted the historical exclusion of certain groups, particularly the Igbos, from the presidency due to the dominance of the Yoruba and Hausa/Fulani elites.
“A zoning arrangement would promote national unity and inclusivity, ensuring that every ethnic group has an opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s leadership,” HURIWA stated.
The association argued that the absence of such an arrangement has perpetuated political exclusion and disenfranchisement, leading to instability and deep-seated grievances. By adopting a zoning system, Nigeria can address these historical imbalances and foster greater cohesion in its leadership structure.
HURIWA further noted that zoning would not only address the feelings of marginalization among various groups but also create a sense of shared ownership in the Nigerian project. This, the association emphasized, is critical for maintaining peace and stability in a multi-ethnic society.
HURIWA urged lawmakers to prioritize the national interest when deliberating on the six-year single-term bill. It stressed the importance of broad-based public consultations to ensure that the views and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians are reflected in the proposed reforms.
“Lawmakers must initiate a national dialogue that goes beyond political and ethnic divides, creating an inclusive platform for diverse perspectives to shape the reforms,” HURIWA stated.
The association argued that genuine engagement with citizens would not only enhance the credibility of the legislative process but also ensure that the reforms enjoy widespread support and acceptance.
While acknowledging the legitimate concerns surrounding the six-year single-term proposal, HURIWA maintained that its potential to improve governance and promote national unity should not be dismissed. The association urged lawmakers to approach the bill with an open mind, focusing on its merits and the broader benefits it could bring to Nigeria’s political system.
“By ensuring that the bill remains non-amendable for a specific period and includes provisions for synchronized elections and a zoning framework, lawmakers can lay the foundation for a more transparent and inclusive democracy,” HURIWA asserted.
HURIWA concluded that such reforms would strengthen Nigeria’s political system, promote fairness, and ensure equitable leadership for all citizens. These measures, the association emphasized, are critical for fostering national unity, reducing political instability, and delivering quality governance.
A.I
Nov. 27, 2024
Tags: HURIWA
