Ayo Adebanjo, the esteemed leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has thrown his considerable support behind the growing clamour for Nigeria’s reversion to a parliamentary system of government.
In a recent interview with Arise Television, Adebanjo emphatically asserted that the current presidential system is both excessively costly and prone to corruption.
Expressing his views with conviction, Adebanjo emphasised, “Those of us who’ve had experience with the parliamentary system in this country see that it’s the only way out. The presidential system is corrupt, especially in Nigeria; it makes the president a dictator.”
In his critique of the presidential system, Adebanjo highlighted its tendency to consolidate power in the hands of the elected leader, rendering dissent virtually impossible.
He remarked, “To question the supremacy of the president is only in operation before the election; the moment he’s elected, he becomes a dictator where no one can oppose him. His word is the law.”
Pointing to the inherent flaws in Nigeria’s current constitutional setup, Adebanjo advocated for a swift return to the parliamentary model, citing its potential to foster greater accountability and transparency. He explained, “Under the parliamentary system, the prime minister becomes more responsible; he’s responsible to the parliament. If he misbehaves, the parliament will question him because the ministers are elected members of their constituencies.”
Adebanjo underscored the manifold advantages of a parliamentary system and urged prompt action towards its implementation. He concluded by calling for constitutional reforms to facilitate this transition, stating, “The advantages of a parliamentary system are many. It is a welcome development that should be implemented expeditiously, and the constitution should be changed.”
