The House of Representatives, on Thursday, rejected a bill proposing a single six-year term for the President, State Governors, and Local Government Chairmen in the country.
Theliberationnews reports that the bill, sponsored by Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) and 33 other lawmakers, also wanted a zonal rotation of presidential and governorship positions and the simultaneous holding of elections across the country.
It was observed that the bill looked to amend various sections of the 1999 Constitution, including Sections 76, 116, 132, and 136, with the goal of ensuring inclusive governance and reducing the waste associated with four-year elections.
Among the key provisions, the bill proposed that presidential elections be rotated every six years between the North and South regions, with candidates drawn from the three geopolitical zones within each region. It also suggested that all elections for the President, Governors, and lawmakers be held on the same day, as determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in consultation with the National Assembly.
Also, the bill sought to amend Section 132 to ensure the rotation of presidential candidates between the North and South every six years, while Section 136 proposed changes to the procedure for presidential succession.
Additionally, the bill introduced a requirement for governors to submit a mid-term performance report to the State House of Assembly, which could lead to impeachment if the governor failed to justify their continued stay in office.
When the bill was put to a voice vote in the House, the majority of lawmakers rejected it entirely.
