The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has rejected a proposed bill seeking a single term of six years for the President and state governors. The bill, introduced by 35 members of the House of Representatives, aims to reduce the cost of governance and promote rotation of the presidency among the six geopolitical zones.
NANS has described the bill as “anti-democracy” and “an attempt to stifle people’s choice.” The student body believes that passing the bill into law would erode accountability, probity, transparency, and responsibility on the part of political leaders. Yekini Adewale, National Clerk of the Senate of NANS, argued that the bill would allow non-performing leaders to focus on personal gain rather than delivering good governance.
NANS has called on Nigerians, pro-democracy groups, organized labor, and trade unions to mobilize against the bill. The student body threatens to organize a mass protest against the National Assembly if the bill is not withdrawn. Adewale emphasized that expunging the second term from the constitution would extinguish the electorate’s power to vote out underperforming leaders.
NANS believes that the bill is a smokescreen to divert attention from the current economic challenges facing Nigerians. The student body is determined to protect democracy and ensure that the voices of the people are heard. A day of mass march against the National Assembly will be announced soon to further demonstrate NANS’ rejection of the bill.