The Nigerian House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the first reading of a bill aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution.
The proposed legislation seeks to introduce a single six-year term for the President, State Governors, and Local Government Area Chairmen, replacing the current four-year terms with the possibility of re-election.
The private member bill, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, along with 50 other lawmakers, aims to curb wastages associated with frequent elections.
Key provisions of the bill include:
1. Altering Sections 7, 135, 137, 180, and 182 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.
2. Introducing a six-year single term for Local Government Chairmen.
3. Extending the presidential term from four to six years, with no possibility of re-election.
4. Similar changes for State Governors, limiting them to a single six-year term.
5. Provisions for extending terms during times of war, with National Assembly approval.
The bill, cited as “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) (Alteration) Bill 2024,” also addresses scenarios such as re-run elections and the calculation of time spent in office.
