Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah has advocated a return to the Parliamentary system of government in Nigeria.
He said the presidential system currently practised in the
country has failed, as it does not allow the people at the community level feel
the impact of government at the centre.
Attah who stated this at the weekend in Uyo during a virtual
Public Policy Dialogue, powered by Ricchezza Initiative for Social Empowerment,
said the parliamentary system would enable communities directly select and
elect people to represent them.
He regretted that the cost of an election in the
presidential system has made it difficult for political office holders to do
much for the people as they would first satisfy the biddings of their sponsors
adding that they assume the votes of the people were not necessary to get them
into office.
The former governor also called for a new constitution
noting that the parliamentary system would give room for true federalism, where
the federating units can take full control of their resources and develop local
authorities including security.
He said, “The parliamentary system made it possible for
those representing the community to be elected by the community, not the party,
not the law court. The people would know who they want. You cannot rig the
conscience of the people.
“The cost of the election today is tremendously expensive,
making it difficult for public office holders to do what the communities want.
They do what the sponsors want. To campaign across the country in the case of
presidential elections or for those contesting as governors, you need a lot of
money. So the moment you are sworn into office, you focus on your sponsors”.
Throwing light on how he laid the foundation that brought
Akwa Ibom to its level, Attah recalled that he raised 32 committees to work
with communities across the state to ascertain their needs and how to tackle
such needs.
The anchor of the forum, Mr Udeme Etukayin said the policy
engagement series was designed to xray views aimed at a solution-driven
leadership and governance in Africa.
He explained that the decision to engage the former
Governor, Architect Victor Attah as the lead Speaker was due to his wealth of
experience, impact and wisdom in the design and development of the Uyo
masterplan.
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