A bill for an Act
seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to change the educational qualification
for elections into certain political offices, has been stepped down by the
leave of the House of Representatives.
Standing in the name
of Adewunmi Onanuga, the proposed legislation aimed at pegging minimum
qualification for elections into the governorship, presidential, and other key
elective offices in the country.
Leading the debate
during plenary session on Tuesday, Onanuga, who represents Ikenne/Salami/Remo
North Federal Constituency, Ogun State, argued that the constitution of Nigeria
1999 should be amended to make it compulsory for elective office holders to
have a University degree or its equivalent as against the current provision
which allows a First School Leaving Certificate holder to vie for the highest
office in the land.
Although, the bill enjoyed support from House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, Babajimi Benson, Kingsley Chinda and a host of other lawmakers; Aliyu Madaki, a lawmaker from Kano State and Ahmadu Jaha (APC, Borno) and some others kicked against proposed alteration.
A disappointed Onanuga
stepped down the bill, pledging to lobby more of her colleagues preparatory to
having it presented on the floor of the House at a later date.
“It appears some of
our colleagues need further lobbying. I will move to step down the bill for
now,” she said.
Details later…
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
I think we are at a time where all the arms of government should be serious with the art of governance. Nigeria is hungry and issues of governance should be of paramount importance. Which one is qualification for president? What nonsense is this type of bill at the moment in history.
ReplyDeleteGood governance is not about degrees is about the will to do the right things, have the ware fare of d people at heart and put competent people in positions.
ReplyDeleteWe need leaders not rulers.