Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, a member of the house of representatives,
says the push for a six-year single term for president and governors will
continue despite the bill’s rejection.
The bill, which was slated for a second reading during
plenary session on Thursday, was rejected by lawmakers in the green chamber.
Sponsored by Ikeagwuonu from Imo state and 33 other
lawmakers, the bill had also sought to amend section 3 of the constitution to
provide for the recognition of the division of Nigeria into six geopolitical
zones.
Briefing journalists on Thursday evening, the lawmaker
described the rejection of the bill as a “temporary setback”.
“The struggle to reform our constitutional democracy to be
all-inclusive and provide an avenue for justice, equity and fairness has not
been lost,” he said.
The lawmaker said voting against the bill by the parliament
“does not put an end to agitation and hope that we will realise this
objective”.
“This is a temporary setback which does not affect the
campaign for an inclusive democratic process,” he said.
The Imo lawmaker said the sponsors of the bill will review
the decision of the house and “find possible ways of reintroducing it after
following due legislative procedures”.
“All I can tell Nigerians is that we will continue the
advocacy and convince our colleagues to see reason with us. If elections are
held in one day, it will reduce cost and rigging,” he said.
“If power rotates, it will help deescalate political
tensions and six-year single term will go a long way in helping elective leaders
focus on delivering their democratic mandate.
“All hope is not lost, we will continue the advocacy and we
hope that when reintroduced our colleagues will support it.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on Areatatafo.com.ng to reach thousands of our daily users
