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.

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.

The bill, sponsored by John Dyegh from Benue state, was rejected after it was called up for second reading at Tuesday’s plenary session.

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.

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.

“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.

Haruna Bello from Kano state also kicked against the bill, saying it will fuel the speculation of tenure extension for President Muhammadu Buhari.

“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.

“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.”

The bill was subsequently voted against when Idris Wase, deputy speaker, who presided over the session, put it up for vote for second reading.