The bill, which aimed to formalize regional power rotation in the Constitution, was one of seven proposed constitutional amendments listed for deliberation. In addition to the rotational presidency bill, six other amendments were also rejected by lawmakers. Despite the outcome, the House resolved to reconsider the proposals individually during Wednesday’s plenary session.

To facilitate broader debate, the House had earlier suspended its usual rules, allowing all seven amendments to be discussed simultaneously. Lawmakers were free to choose which of the proposed bills to speak on, and the majority chose to focus on the rotational presidency.

The proposal quickly became a point of contention, with several lawmakers opposing the idea on various grounds.

Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki led the charge against the bill. He argued that the issue of fair representation had already been addressed through the Federal Character principle and that introducing rotational presidency into the Constitution could have unintended consequences. Madaki insisted that political parties already have internal structures that promote inclusion without the need for constitutional enforcement.

Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) acknowledged the proposal as creative but warned that it could undermine merit-based leadership. He expressed concern that institutionalizing regional rotation could fuel ethnic and regional rivalry.

Shina Oyedeji (PDP, Oyo) echoed similar sentiments, cautioning that embedding zoning into the Constitution could trigger fresh agitation among states and ethnic groups within each zone. “If the presidency is zoned to the South West, for instance, who decides whether it goes to Ogun or Oyo?” he asked.

Bello Mohammed El-Rufai raised concerns about leadership continuity, citing the example of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who died in office. He warned that such a provision could limit the rights of Nigerians to contest for leadership and potentially deepen distrust among different regions.

Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) added that while the idea may appear well-intentioned, forcing political parties to pick candidates based on geography could undermine party independence.

On the other hand, some lawmakers supported the amendment. Minority Whip Ali Isa argued that all six geopolitical zones deserve a chance at producing a president. He also suggested extending the principle to state-level governance to ensure rotation among senatorial districts. He praised the Deputy Speaker for recognizing the need for fairness and advocated for the presidency to move to the North East in 2027.

Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom) supported the bill, stating that it sought to correct longstanding injustices against minority groups. He proposed that the rotational principle be applied until every zone has had a turn, after which it could be phased out.

Despite the passionate debates, the bill and other proposed amendments failed to pass the second reading following a voice vote.

Among the other rejected bills were proposals to:

Transfer the regulation and registration of political parties from INEC to a new Office of the Registrar-General of Political Parties.

Create a new Ughelli East Local Government Area in Delta State.

Establish the Office of the State Auditors-General for Local Governments and the FCT Area Councils to improve grassroots accountability.

The failed amendments reflect ongoing debates within the legislature over how best to balance fairness, merit, and unity in Nigeria’s complex political landscape.

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The proposed legislation aims to establish the Prime Minister as Head of Government and the President as Head of State.

It was among 32 constitutional amendment bills passed during a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Sponsored by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and 59 others, the bill proposes shifting executive authority from the President to a Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister would be elected by the legislature, marking a significant shift from Nigeria’s current presidential system.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999”, it seeks major changes.

Nigeria previously operated a parliamentary system in the First Republic, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister.

That system lasted until the 1966 military coup, which led to the adoption of a presidential system of government.

In February 2024, 60 lawmakers proposed amending the constitution to transition back to a parliamentary system.

Led by APC lawmaker Wale Raji, they cited the need to reduce governance costs and encourage robust policy debates.

The proposal suggests implementing the parliamentary system at the Federal, State, and Local Government levels.

Lawmakers argue that this shift would enhance governance efficiency and foster greater accountability in Nigeria’s political structure.

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On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu had proclaimed emergency rule over the protracted crisis in the state.

The president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers House of Assembly for six months.

A sole administrator was appointed to take charge of the state during the period.

However, according to the Constitution, two-thirds of the National Assembly need to consent to the rule for it to take effect.

At plenary on Thursday, the speaker, Abbas Tajuddeen, put it to a voice vote, and the majority had the day.

Abbas later announced that 243 members attended the sitting based on the attendance register for the day.

Earlirr, Rep. Ali Isa JC moved a motion for amendment to review the period from six months downward and was seconded by Rep. Miriam Onuohs .

Details later…

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The budget includes ₦3.645 trillion for statutory transfers and ₦14.317 trillion for debt servicing. Recurrent expenditure, covering salaries and operational costs, is allocated ₦13.64 trillion, while capital projects receive the largest share of ₦23.963 trillion to drive infrastructure and economic growth.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu increased the proposed budget from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion before seeking legislative approval.

More details to follow…

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The proposal was presented during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. According to the committee, the North Central region is expected to get six new states, North East four, North West five, South East five, South-South four, and South West seven.

The letter detailing the proposal emphasized that the creation of new states would require a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly, approval from the House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Councils, as well as adherence to constitutional provisions.

Among the proposed states are Okun, Okura, and Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala and Apa (Benue); FCT State; Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); Muri (Taraba); New Kaduna and Gurara (Kaduna); Tiga and Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi); Etiti, Adada, Orlu, and Aba (South East); Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori and Obolo (Rivers); Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan and Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun); Lagoon (Lagos); and Ijebu (Ogun).

The committee has urged proponents of the new states to submit formal proposals in line with constitutional requirements.

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During the lead debate, House Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere emphasized the need for Nigerians to view the anthem as a national symbol and authority, reflecting the country’s realities. The old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was replaced in 1978 by the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots.”

However, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda opposed the bill, arguing that the old anthem carries a colonial tag since it was authored and composed by Britons. He questioned the relevance of the anthem change amidst more pressing national challenges.

READ ALSO: House of Representatives Calls for Regulation of House Rents and Landlord Activities in Abuja

Despite opposition, the bill was expedited and passed by the lawmakers. In the Senate, the bill passed the first and second readings and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, which will report back in two weeks. Senators supporting the bill believe it will promote unity, peace, and prosperity better than the current anthem.

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