Cardinal Onaiyekan Calls for Change in Nigeria’s Governance System

His Eminence Cardinal John Onaiyekan advocated for a change in Nigeria’s governance system.

The Emeritus Catholic Bishop of Abuja argued that the current system is plagued with corruption and inefficiency, and a parliamentary system would be more effective in bringing the government closer to the people and reducing the opportunity for stealing and corruption.

According to the Cardinal, the presidential system currently in place in Nigeria has consistently failed to provide a clear framework for governance and religious affairs, resulting in confusion and inefficiency within the governance system.

He also emphasized the need for decentralization of power to allow for effective governance and decision-making at the local level.

Joining the discussion, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr Kingsley Chinda, and a representative of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Dr Akin Fapohunda, both supported the idea of a parliamentary system in Nigeria.

They argued that it would solve most of Nigeria’s problems and provide a better mechanism for peer review and accountability.

A Catholic priest, Fr George Ehusani, highlighted the importance of integrity in nation-building and national prosperity, emphasizing that “elite idiocy” could ruin any nation, regardless of its structural blueprint.

Dr Sam Amadi, the Director of ASSPT, pointed out that the parliamentary system is less expensive to run when compared to the presidential system and provides better mechanisms for peer review and accountability.

Evidence from around the world suggests that only a few countries with a presidential system of government are doing well economically.

ASSPT aims to escalate the discussions on a new governance structure to include different national institutions, religious groups, and regions to agree on a win-win system of government.

The dialogue serves as a crucial step towards building a more effective and transparent governance system in Nigeria.