Network lauds Reps for rejecting 6-yr single tenure bill

A global trans-local network, Accountability Lab Nigeria, on Saturday commended the House of Representatives for rejecting the 6-year Tenure Bill for President, Governors, and Local Government Area Chairpersons.

The Country Director of the organisation, Odeh Friday, who made the disclosure in a statement, also urged the Senate to strike out the bill.

“This is a commendable step that underscores their commitment to upholding the principles of good governance and democracy.

“This decision aligns with the tenets of representative governance by preserving the opportunity for regular accountability through shorter election cycles, ensuring leaders remain responsive to the needs of their constituents,” he said.

Friday urged that the bill be rejected when it reaches the Senate ,saying that it has implications for democratic principles and governance in the country.

According to him, there are more pressing issues currently plaguing the country that need the urgent attention of the president, including insecurity, inflation, and human rights violations.

Friday said that the bill undermined the foundational tenets of our electoral system and posed a threat to the progress Nigeria has made in democratic governance, considering numerous compelling reasons.

He added that frequent elections ensure that leaders remain responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents while extending the tenure would reduce the frequency of elections.

Friday added that a recent

research reports that the bill would suppress political innovation and competition, weaken democratic accountability, consolidate authority, and raise the possibility of electoral meddling and corruption.

The country director explained that four-year terms allow for quicker correction adding that extended tenure periods would promote a culture of corruption and abuse of power.

“We firmly believe that the passage of this bill would be a step backward for our democracy, and our concerns are not just theoretical; they are based on a careful examination of the possible outcomes of this legislation.

” We therefore urge the Senate to focus on strengthening the Electoral Act and ensuring the independence and accountability of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“This will enhance voter registration, increase voter participation in elections, and improve the process of selecting effective and responsible political officeholders, ultimately fostering good governance,” he said.