
Ango Abdullahi, the Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has thrown his weight behind the proposal to adopt a parliamentary system of government in Nigeria, signaling a potential shift away from the current presidential model.
The move comes in the wake of a bill introduced by 60 lawmakers, which recently passed its first reading at the House of Representatives. This legislative action has reignited discussions about the country's governance structure, particularly amid growing concerns about the effectiveness of the presidential system.
Addressing reporters in Abuja on Friday, Abdullahi voiced his support for the parliamentary system, citing his firsthand experience during Nigeria's first republic. He argued that the parliamentary system had proven effective for the country and suggested that it deserved another chance to succeed.
Abdullahi criticized the presidential system, asserting that it had failed to propel Nigeria forward over the past 24 years. He expressed his firm opposition to the current system, labeling it as unsuitable not only for Nigeria but for any nation influenced by Western ideals.
"The democracy the western world is trying to force down the throat of every nation in the world is to serve their interest," Abdullahi remarked, highlighting what he perceived as the detrimental impact of Western-style democracy on Nigeria's development.
Reflecting on his personal experiences as a product of the first republic, Abdullahi lamented the decline in leadership quality, contrasting the achievements of past leaders with the perceived shortcomings of the present leadership.
According to Abdullahi, the decision to abandon the parliamentary system in favor of the presidential model was a pivotal mistake that continues to haunt the country to this day. He argued that the presidential system was ill-suited to Nigeria's needs and advocated for its replacement with a more suitable governance structure.
While Abdullahi's endorsement adds momentum to the push for parliamentary reform, the debate over Nigeria's governance system is far from settled. As stakeholders continue to weigh the pros and cons of different models, the future of the country's political landscape remains uncertain.
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