Former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has strongly asserted that Nigeria’s survival under the executive presidential system is highly doubtful. He emphasized that the current presidential system spells doom for the nation.
Speaking at the ongoing National Dialogue on the constitutional future of Nigeria, organized in honor of esteemed constitutional lawyer Prof. Ben Nwabueze by the Patriots, a group of eminent national leaders, Aregbesola voiced his concerns. The theme of the dialogue, “Lawful Procedures for Actualizing a People’s Constitution for Nigeria,” provided the backdrop for his remarks.
Aregbesola, who boasts extensive political experience, having served as a Commissioner in Lagos State for eight years, followed by an eight-year tenure as the governor of Osun State, and later as a Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, minced no words. He unequivocally stated, “Can Nigeria survive executive presidential representation? The answer is no.”
Advocating for a shift to a parliamentary system, Aregbesola emphasized the need for representation based on productivity rather than mere residence. He proposed that those actively involved in productive activities should have a significant role in electing their representatives, asserting that the current representation system is lacking in effectiveness.
Aregbesola’s remarks add to the ongoing debate surrounding Nigeria’s constitutional framework, underscoring the urgency of finding a governance model that better serves the nation’s interests and aspirations.
