Former Minister of Works, Raji Fashola (SAN), has strongly criticized the growing clamor for Nigeria to return to a parliamentary system of government, stating that those advocating for the change lack a profound understanding of the nation’s political history. Fashola made these remarks during a speech at the 30th-anniversary celebration of Yusuf Ali & Co (Ghalib chambers) in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Highlighting the perils of Nigeria’s past experience with a parliamentary system, Fashola pointed out the social upheaval and political turmoil that led to a cataclysmic civil war. He urged for a deep reflection on the reasons behind the failure of the parliamentary system and questioned whether those issues have been adequately addressed.
Fashola argued that calls for a change in the system of government are frequently driven by economic hardships and argued that restructuring could be achieved through constitutional amendments rather than a complete overhaul of the system. He emphasized the need for confidence in the government’s ability to provide economic support to deter the push for system change.
The former Lagos State Governor cautioned against the ignorance of the political history and the repercussions of reverting to a system that previously resulted in national disaster. Fashola advocated for a liberal democracy that ensures an improved standard of living for all Nigerians, emphasizing the importance of equitable distribution of resources to address the root causes of discontent.
Fashola also called for a reduction in the excessive cost of governance within the current federal structure instead of advocating for a return to a parliamentary system. He underscored the significance of enhancing education on political processes to prevent misguided calls for system change and foster a more informed citizenry.
In conclusion, Fashola recommended maintaining the existing federal arrangement while addressing governance inefficiencies, cautioning against hasty decisions to transition to a different system that might not address the underlying challenges facing Nigeria.
