Abuja: Some stakeholders have called for the insertion of a rotational presidency among the six geo-political zones in the constitution to further enhance political stability and address ethnic agitations. The stakeholders made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chief Ugochukwu Nnam, President of the Initiative for Leadership Development and Change (ILDC), emphasized that a rotational presidency could restore people’s confidence in the country’s democratization process. Nnam stated that this approach would reduce agitations and bring hope, as every zone would be assured of having its turn at the presidency.
Dr. Bennett Lemchi, a former governorship candidate in Imo, also supported the idea, suggesting that the rotation of the presidency among the geo-political zones would mitigate ethno-religious suspicion and acrimony. Lemchi praised the national assembly for its ongoing constitution review and urged lawmakers to consider including the rotational presidency in the document.
Alhaji Tanko Idris, a Public Affairs Analyst, highlighted Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic landscape, advocating for the rotational arrangement to promote unity. Idris argued that such a constitutional amendment would lead to peaceful transitions of power and enhance economic stability by naturally eliminating ethnic and religious suspicions.
Mr. Etim Bassey, Convener of the Nigeria for Peace Initiative (NFPI), added that a rotational presidency could serve as a solution to inter-ethnic rancor and address various agitations, particularly from minority groups. Bassey expressed confidence that the national assembly’s move would gain support from Nigerians, contributing to national cohesion and inclusiveness.