The former vice president and 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the House of Representatives for rejecting the bill that proposed a six-year tenure for Nigerian presidents and governors.
Atiku said the lawmakers’ decision was unfortunate, noting that they failed to recognize Nigeria’s critical situation.
The bill was sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere and 33 others but was dismissed through a voice vote at Thursday’s plenary.
Also, Atiku had submitted a memo to the National Assembly earlier in October calling for a rotation of the presidency between the North and South.
In a reaction to the decision by lawmakers, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, said his principal had expected that the bill would encourage those elected to focus on fulfilling their responsibilities to the public, aiming to reduce political distractions for presidents and governors.
“So, it is sad that it was rejected, and we need to ensure that the laws we make promote the well-being of Nigerians and strengthen democracy in both word and deed.
“That is what this law was meant to do. Unfortunately, the House did not see this. It is unfortunate, and we hope that it is revisited, so they can realise that they have made a mistake”
Primenewz recalls that the bill which suggested a single six-year term for elected presidents and governors across the nation, was rejected during the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan.