Approximately 60 members of the Federal House of Representatives are advocating amendments to the 1999 Constitution to transition from a presidential to a parliamentary system of government. Wale Raji, an All Progressives Congress lawmaker from Lagos State, prominently sponsored the bill, which received its initial reading in the House of Representatives.
The legislators highlight the desire to reduce government costs and foster robust policy debates as primary reasons for advocating a return to the parliamentary system.
In a parliamentary system, the party (or a coalition of parties) with the most representation in the parliament forms the government, led by the prime minister or chancellor. Executive functions are carried out by parliament members appointed by the prime minister to the cabinet. Minority parties serve in opposition to the majority, with the responsibility of regular challenges.
Prime ministers can be ousted whenever they lose the confidence of the ruling party or the parliament majority. Originating in Britain, the parliamentary system has been adopted in several former colonies.
The First Nigerian Republic, spanning from October 1963 to January 1966, operated under a parliamentary system. If the bill passes, presidential assent is required for it to become law and be incorporated into the Constitution. Should the president withhold assent, the National Assembly can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
