The Nigerian House of Representatives has declined the second reading of a bill that sought to introduce a single six-year term for the offices of the President and State Governors.
During Thursday’s plenary session, the bill, sponsored by Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and 33 others, faced stiff opposition from members of the House. Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to create a single term of six years for the office of President and State Governors, recognize the division of Nigeria into the six Geopolitical zones, provide for the rotation of the office of President, State Governor and chairman of a Local Government Council among the Inherent regions and zones, and provide that all elections be held on a single day and for Related Matters (HB. 1511),” the proposed legislation also sought to synchronize all elections to take place on the same day.
Rep. Ugochinyere introduced the bill for its second reading, supported by a fellow lawmaker. However, when Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen subjected the motion to a voice vote, the overwhelming response of “Nay” from members sealed the bill’s fate.
Speaker Abbas subsequently declared, “The Nays have it,” signifying the rejection of the bill and its failure to progress beyond the second reading stage.
The bill’s failure highlights the divided opinions within the House regarding constitutional amendments, particularly those involving executive tenure and election timelines.
Trendi NEWS24 gathered that the rejection reflects lawmakers’ concerns about altering the current democratic framework, which allows for a maximum of two four-year terms for the President and Governors. As debates around constitutional reforms continue, it remains to be seen if similar proposals will resurface in the future.
Stay tuned to Trendi NEWS24 for updates on this and other legislative developments.
