Nigeria Should Return To Parliamentary System Of Government – Obong Victor Attah

Ex-governor of Akwa Ibom, has come out to advocate for a return to the parliamentary system of government.

He recently revealed that doing this will enable communities to select and elect people to represent them.

According to him, a government that will have a huge and positive impact on Nigerians must originate from and maintain regular interface with the people at the grassroots.

He added that the cost of election in the presidential system has actually robbed the people of the allegiance of their representatives.

His words, “I came here with something, “COME LET US REASON TOGETHER” because I knew that whatever you are, whatever your exposure, however intelligent you are, you can’t do it alone.

“You must have a community that works with you, tells you what their needs are, tells you what their demands are and leadership means being able to fulfill those things for the people.

“Today, people do not truly communicate with their representatives because they do not really seriously need their vote to get into offices.

“That is why the presidential system is not working for Nigeria.

“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 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 election or across the state for those contesting as governors, you need a lot of money.

“So, the moment you are sworn into office, you focus on your sponsors.”