By Femi Adewale
Contributing to the discourse on rescueing Nigeria from the brinks of collapse, a strong recommendation has been canvassed that for the nation to survive, the current political system which guarantees a four-year tenure renewable for another term for the President and Governors should be jettisoned in 2027 general elections.
This was the submission of a former Director, Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Oluwatoyin Jokosenumi, while speaking on the popular monthly interview discourse, Boiling Point Arena on Sunday night.
Jokosenumi opined that the greedy political class in the country have capitalized on loopholes in the Nigerian Constitution to live large on the resources of the nation to the extent that once voted into power, they amass stupendous wealth and perpetuate themselves in the corridor of power for too long at the expense of others.
The topic of discourse was: *”The Nigerian Socio-Political and Economic Quagmire: What are the Rescue Options?”*
The current affairs programme which held via Zoom and broadcast live on a radio station, Sweet 107.1FM, was hosted by a media professional and public relations strategist, Dr Ayo Arowojolu.
Foremost traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola was the Keynote Speaker during the programme which also featured another Guest Speaker, Prof. Wùnmi Iledare, an expert on petroleum economics.
Said Jokosenumi: “We must look at our political system and the processes of choosing our leaders. The strongest recommendation I want to make is a one single term of five years for everyone at the national and subnational level.
“One term for everybody whether as President or Governors. The crazy idea about two terms must die. We don’t need it. Because average time of existence here in Nigeria is between age 55 to 60.
“A lot of our political leaders have been living on government for upward of 20 years and more. They will serve as Governor for eight years and they will go to Senate and have endless terms there. This is the only country in the world that after becoming Governors and Senators, these politicians shamefully will be lobbying to become Ministers.
“What are they looking for? How many years do they want to occupy office? They should give other people opportunity to serve. One single term is enough. Once, they are sworn into office, they stop real governance at the second year. Next is to steal money for the upcoming election and come and rub it on our faces.”
Jokosenumi said the present crops of leaders in the country lack the requisite skills to unleash governance that ensures real development, submitting that there was need to revisit the nation’s political foundation.
He urged Nigerians to challenge the political class and insist that major amendments and reforms must be made to the current constitution to ensure a change in narratives come 2027 election.
