Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political organization, yesterday, while supporting calls for Nigeria’s return to a parliamentary government, made a stand that the presidential system of government is too costly and amoral. Adebanjo made this known during an interview with Arise Television.
He said, Those of us who have had involvement in the parliamentary system in this country know that it is the only way out. The presidential system is unscrupulous, specifically in Nigeria; it makes the president an autocrat.
“To question the authority of the president is only applicable before the election; once he’s elected, he becomes an autocrat where no one can attack him. His word is the law.
“Specifically in Nigeria, our constitution makes the president the most dominant in the world. The system is very costly and corrupt. The earlier we retrogress, the better.
“In the parliamentary system of government, the prime minister becomes more in control, he’s accountable to the parliament. By the name itself, the prime minister falls among equals. If he behaves badly, the parliament will interrogate him since the ministers are selected members of their constituencies."
The benefits of a parliamentary system are numerous. It is a welcome development that should be executed, and the constitution should be switched.
