On Tuesday, Could 13, Nigeria’s Home of Representatives voted down a constitutional modification invoice that aimed to rotate the presidency and vice presidency among the many nation’s six geopolitical zones.
Six different constitutional payments had been additionally rejected however will probably be revisited on Wednesday for particular person consideration.
To streamline debate, the Home suspended its guidelines, permitting members to give attention to any of the seven listed payments.
The rotational presidency invoice drew probably the most consideration, with sturdy opposition from lawmakers who feared it could set a dangerous precedent.
Deputy Minority Chief Aliyu Madaki led the cost towards the invoice, arguing, “Points the invoice intend to remedy has been addressed by the Federal Character Fee.”
He cautioned towards embedding rotation within the structure, noting that political events have already got mechanisms for truthful illustration.
Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) known as the proposal “ingenuous” however questioned its affect on management high quality, warning, “Adopting the rotation precept won’t be within the curiosity of the nation as it can promote regional and ethnic rivalry.”
Shina Oyedeji (PDP, Oyo) echoed considerations, saying, “When you undertake zoning and it’s involves the South West for instance, which state will take the place? Is it Ogun or Oyo?”
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He argued for equal alternative for all Nigerians to aspire to the presidency.
Bello Mohammed El-Rufai raised sensible points, asking, “What is going to occur if the President dies whereas in workplace prefer it occurred when former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua died?”
He added, “No matter you do in Nigeria, there’ll at all times be a cry of marginalisation. We should always not have interaction in a harmful precedent by placing it within the Structure.”
Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) famous, “It is going to be misplaced to pressure the political events on the place to decide on their candidates throughout elections.”
Nonetheless, Minority Whip Ali Isa supported rotation, stating, “In 2027, we should always enable the Presidency go to the North East for the sake of equity and permit all zones to supply the President.”
He argued that every one zones have certified leaders and that equity is already enshrined within the Federal Character precept.
Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom) backed the invoice, saying it could deal with “age lengthy injustice metted on the minority {groups},” however steered a clause to finish the rotation after every zone has had a flip.
After a heated debate and voice vote, the rotational presidency invoice and others, together with proposals to shift political get together regulation from INEC and create new native authorities areas, didn’t cross second studying.
