Bill Seeking Six-Year Single Term For President, Governors Fails

The house of representatives has rejected a bill seeking to provide for a single term of six years for the president and governors.
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The constitutional amendment bill seeks to also provide for an unlimited tenure of six years for members of the national assembly and state houses of assembly.
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The bill, sponsored by John Dyegh from Benue state, was rejected after it was called up for second reading at Tuesday’s plenary session.
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During the debate on the bill, most of the lawmakers kicked against it, arguing that there is nothing wrong with the system Nigeria currently operates.
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But a few lawmakers including Sergius Ogun from Edo state argued it would save the country the funds used to conduct elections every four years.
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“This bill intends to also save the money being spent in elections for second term. It will save this country and our democracy,” Ogun said.
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Haruna Bello from Kano state also kicked against the bill, saying it will fuel the speculation of tenure extension for President Muhammadu Buhari.
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“There is a speculation for tenure extension for the president. Bringing this motion now will make our adversaries think this is an attempt to achieve that,” he said.
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“By the time you allow the room for six years, you will shut down the door for appraisal of someone’s term after four years. We should maintain our four years.”
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The bill was subsequently voted against when Idris Wase, deputy speaker, who presided over the session, put it up for vote for second reading.