Lawmakers propose 6-year single tenure for president

Nigerian lawmakers have proposed major alterations to the 1999 Constitution, which would see the president and governors have six-year single term in office.

The proposal was brought forward by a group of 35 legislative members known as Reformers, who also recommended the creation of two vice presidents from the southern and northern parts of Nigeria.

Spokesperson of the Reformers, Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere while briefing journalists on Monday at the National Assembly, said they have produced 50 proposed alterations, of which six bills have been listed on the floor of the House.

In its proposed amendment, the president and 1st Vice President would come from the same part of the country (North or South). While the 1st Vice President shall become President whenever the President becomes incapacitated.

One other major proposal canvassed by the group is the rotation of the Presidency between the six geopolitical zones and holding of all elections on the same day.

Ugochinyere said; “Constitutional Amendment to provide that the President and the 1st Vice President shall come from the same part of the country (north or south) and the 1st Vice President shall become President whenever the President becomes incapacitated, i.e., V.P. (Succession), V.P. (Administration and Economy).”