The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for First Reading a proposed bill that aims to establish a single term of six years for the offices of the President, State Governors, and Local Government Area Councils.
This bill seeks to reduce government spending and wastage, improve governance efficiency, and promote national stability.
Sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), along with 50 other lawmakers, the bill proposes to amend Sections 7, 135, 137, 180, and 182 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Key provisions of the bill include:
– **Clause 1**: Amendment to the Principal Act.
– **Clause 2**: Amendment to Section 7 of the Principal Act by inserting a new subsection (5) that states: “A holder of the office of a Local Government Chairman shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years commencing from the date such holder was elected into office.”
– **Clause 3**: Amendment to Section 135 subsections (2), (2A), and (3) by replacing the word “four” with “six,” stipulating that the President shall vacate office after six years. It also includes provisions for re-run elections and possible extensions during times of war.
– **Clause 4**: Amendment to Section 137 by deleting paragraph (b) and renumbering appropriately.
– **Clause 5**: Amendment to Section 180 by deleting the existing subsections 2 and 3 and replacing them with new subsections, aligning the term limit for Governors to six years and including provisions for extensions during war.
– **Clause 6**: Amendment to Section 182 (1) by deleting paragraph (b) and renumbering appropriately.
– **Clause 7**: Citation of the bill as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) (Alteration) Bill 2024.
This proposed bill reflects efforts to bring substantial changes to Nigeria’s political structure, aiming for a more streamlined and efficient government.
DailyPost