The 34 members of the House of Representatives who jointly sponsored the constitution alteration Bill seeking a single term of six years for the president, governors and local government chairmen, as well as rotation of power have vowed not to give up in the pursuing the dream.
The Bill which seeks for holding of the elections in one day was voted against at its second reading stage during plenary of the House on Thursday.
The members said all hope has not been lost as more consultations would be done on the bill, and represented at a later time.
Its lead sponsor and member representing Ideato North South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere in a statement on Friday said the decision on the floor of the House “today does not put an end to agitation and hope as they will realise this objective.”
“The struggle to reform our constitutional democracy to be all inclusive and provide avenue for justice, equity and fairness has not been lost. The decision on the floor of the House today not to allow the bill for six-year single tenure for presidency/governorship and for power to rotate between the North and South, all elections to hold in one day, not to scale second reading does not put an end to agitation and hope that we will realise this objective.
“This is a temporary setback which does not affect the campaign for all inclusive democratic process. We are going to review these decisions and find possible ways of reintroducing it after following due legislative procedures. All I can tell Nigerians is that we will continue the advocacy and convince our colleagues to see reason with us. If elections are held in one day, it will reduce cost, reduce rigging. If power rotates, it will help de-escalate.
“Political tensions and six year single term will go a long way in helping elective leaders focus on delivering their democratic mandate. All hope is not lost, we will continue the advocacy and we hope that when reintroduced our colleagues will support it,” he said.
