Lawyer, analyst differ on president’s six-year single tenure
A Public Affairs Analyst and a lawyer have disagreed over the proposition of the National Assembly to pass a bill for the establishment of a six-year single tenure for political office holders in the country.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the bill seeking to curb wastages occasioned by the four-year term has passed through the first reading at the parliament.
The bill was sponsored by a member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere and 50 other lawmakers.
The proposed bill sought to alter Sections 7, 135, 137, 180 and 182 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, a public affairs analyst, Emma Jimo, described the bill as needless and misplaced given the challenges currently plaguing the country
He said, “Considering all circumstances right now that is not one of the major challenges we need. The Constitution can be tinkered with. Even lawyers and Senior Advocates of Nigeria are also complaining about it.
“They need to do something about it. Six-year single tenure isn’t a necessity. This doesn’t guarantee good governance. It doesn’t mean the handlers will deliver the dividends of democracy.”
But a lawyer and rights advocate, Taiwo Olawanle, backed the N’Assembly move, saying the lawmakers have the legal right to amend the constitution in any way they deem necessary.
He said, “The National Assembly is mandated to make law and they have the power if they want to have a six-year single tenure. They are the representatives of the people.
“If they agree and there is a quorum, there is nothing illegal about it at all. Although this is political, it has nothing to do with law. The National Assembly has the right to amend law and so on.
