Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed plans to sponsor a constitutional amendment Bill in the 11th National Assembly seeking to replace the current 2-term tenure arrangement for the President and Governors with a single 6-year term.
The proposal, which is expected to form part of a broader package of political and constitutional reforms, is aimed at strengthening governance and reducing the distractions associated with re-election campaigns.
Bamidele made the disclosure during an interview in Abuja, where he spoke on constitutional reforms, insecurity, legislative transparency, anti-terrorism measures and the performance of the 10th Senate.
The Senate Leader also challenged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to immediately publish the salaries, allowances and benefits of all public office holders in the country, including members of the National Assembly, ministers, commissioners and state legislators.
On the nation’s security challenges, Bamidele defended the decision of the Senate to reject a motion seeking the establishment of a special committee to probe all financial releases made to the military in the prosecution of the war against insurgency and terrorism. He argued that opening a public investigation into military expenditure while troops remained actively engaged in combat operations would amount to putting the armed forces on trial in the middle of a war.
Despite growing public concerns over renewed attacks in some parts of the country, the Senate Leader insisted that substantial progress was being recorded in the fight against terrorism. He attributed the recent spate of attacks partly to the pressure being mounted on insurgent groups through intensified military operations and international counter-terrorism partnerships.
Nevertheless, he argued that the 10th Assembly’s achievements in economic reform, taxation, education, agriculture and institutional development would have far-reaching benefits for the country.
The lawmaker argued that the Senate has worked closely with the Executive to pass laws aimed at stabilising the economy, expanding access to education, promoting investment and strengthening non-oil revenue generation. He, however, expressed confidence that the reforms already enacted by the National Assembly would, over time, contribute significantly to national development and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The proposal, if formally introduced and passed by the National Assembly, would require constitutional amendments before it can take effect.
