Shettima: Nigeria needs good governance, not parliamentary system

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the country needs good governance rather than changing to a parliamentary system.

Shettima spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, on Saturday at the 30th anniversary of Yusuf Ali & Co. (Ghalib Chambers), a law firm.

Shettima said contrary to the much-canvassed parliamentary system of government, democracy can only thrive through adherence to the rule of law.

“Democracy can only survive by adherence to the rule of law and quality of governance, not by the parliamentary system as being canvassed by some people,” the vice-president said.

“Many nations that collapsed did so because of a lack of access to truth and justice; their access to justice was frustrated and denied.”

Speaking on the aftermath of the litigation arising from the 2023 elections, Shettima said President Bola Tinubu did not influence the electoral process.

“President Bola Tinubu never influenced the electoral process, and we (the presidency) never used instruments of office to hunt or hound perceived opponents standing trial,” he added.

Also speaking, Raji Fashola, former minister of works, advised that the nation retain its federal system of government.

Fashola said rather than a call for the parliamentary system, there should be a cut in the “excessive” cost of governance.

“Let’s think deeply about why the parliamentary system failed us and have we overcome those reasons,” Fashola queried.

“Those calling for system change are instigated by economic reasons. If only they were confident the government would provide for their economic needs, they won’t chant this clamour for change.”