The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday declined to pass a bill
seeking the rotation of the presidency across the six geopolitical zones of the
country.
The bill which was sponsored by Senator Patrick Abba Moro
representing Benue South Senatorial district was listed for second reading but
was opposed after he read the general principles.
The bill titled: “A bill for an Act to provide for the
rotation of power and for other related matters therein 2022”, said there was a
need for a law to legalise the rotation of power across the various
geographical divides in the country.
The lawmaker emphasised equity, fairness and justice among
the six geopolitical zones as reasons he sponsored the bill, adding that the
country was heterogeneous and the rotation of presidency would offer each
component a sense of belonging.
He also posited that the legality of power rotation would
cure the challenge of the scramble for power and balance agitation among the
six zones, as well as promote unity among the citizens.
In their contributions during the debate which was monitored
by DAILY POST, lawmakers, one after the other, kicked against the bill on the
grounds of running against provisions of the 1999 constitution.
Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah ( APC Kebbi South), said the bill
should have been presented as one seeking for amendment of relevant provisions
of the constitution and not just one seeking legislation from the Senate or by
extension, the National Assembly.
“In as much as it is good for power to rotate across the
various divides in the country, none of the provisions of the 1999
constitution, gives room for that because it throws such privilege open to all
Nigerians at all times.
“Without legislation or law on power rotation, a minority
like former President Goodluck Jonathan became President of this country a few
years back just as we have a minority in the person of our revered President of
the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, leading the 9th Senate.
“So, I don’t think there is any need for a specific law to
be put in place for power rotation and even if any move is to be made in that
direction, it has to be through constitution amendment.”
The Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo – Agege, (APC Delta
Central), in his contribution, also kicked against the bill.
Taking into consideration the views of senators, the sponsor
of the bill, Abba Moro withdrew it from a further debate in line with Order 42
of the Senate standing rules.
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