Former Minister of Works, Raji Fashola (SAN)
Why we can’t return to parliamentary system – Fashola
Former Minister of Works, Raji Fashola (SAN), says those clamouring for Nigeria to return to parliamentary system of government are not imbued with great sense of the nation’s political history.
He asserted that the agitations for change in system of government are spurred by privations and economic woes
The former Lagos State Governor made the assertion when he spoke at the 30th anniversary of Yusuf Ali & Co (Ghalib chambers) in Ilọrin, Kwara State capital, on Saturday
He noted that Nigeria once practised a parliamentary system during which the nation was plunged into social upheaval and political turmoil that culminated in a cataclysmic civil war.
He said “Let’s think deeply about why the parliamentary system failed us and have we overcome those reasons?”
He explained that the proponents of change in government system are also the people pushing for restructuring which he said can be done through constitutional amendment instead of complete and outright change of system.
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He said: “Those calling for the system change are instigated by economic reasons. If only they are confident the government would provide for their economic need, they won’t chant this clamour for change.
“If there is sincerity of purpose, there will be better life for all even under the present system of government.
“Those calling for change of government are the canvassers of restructuring which can be done with constitutional review/amendment of the areas not suitable for us,” he said.
Rather than yearning for change of system of government, the former minister suggested liberal democracy that would guarantee better and improved livelihood of Nigerians.
He explained that poor distribution of the commonwealth and even development often played a common reason for the call for change of system of government.
Fashola, however, blamed the call for a change of system on poor education especially of political history, “if people are not accustomed to how a system works, they will be frustrated and call for its change.
“Why must we go back to the system that once catapulted our country into disaster?” he queried.
He advised that the nation retains the present federal arrangement with calls that excessive cost of governance be reduced, “not outright call for a parliamentary system.
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