By Our Correspondent
Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on the National Assembly to pass a constitutional amendment that would introduce a single, non-renewable six-year term for the President and state Governors.
Speaking during a press engagement on constitutional reforms currently under consideration, Senator Kalu argued that the existing two-term structure, consisting of four years each, encourages wasteful spending and political distractions that hinder effective governance.
He said the two-term system fuels an obsession with re-election, often at the expense of development and service delivery. According to him, a single six-year term would help leaders focus entirely on governance, not politicking.
Senator Kalu believes that Nigeria’s political structure must evolve to meet the demands of a modern democracy. According to him, the current system promotes excessive electoral spending, partisanship, and the diversion of public resources toward political campaigns rather than development initiatives.
He emphasized that a six-year non-renewable term would minimize election-related disruptions, reduce political tension, and give leaders a longer, uninterrupted window to implement their policies and vision.
He stated that this reform is not about any individual, party, or tribe, but about restructuring governance to prioritize national interest over political survival.
Kalu’s comments come as Nigeria’s National Assembly, in collaboration with state Governors and other stakeholders, begins reviewing 161 areas of the 1999 Constitution. These include controversial issues such as rotational presidency, devolution of power, local government autonomy, and the tenure of public office holders.
This is not the first time the idea of a single six-year term has surfaced in Nigeria’s political discourse. Earlier in 2024, a similar bill sponsored by Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere and others was rejected by the House of Representatives during its second reading. The bill failed to garner sufficient support during a voice vote.
Despite this setback, Senator Kalu insists that the time is ripe for bold reforms. He believes public and political consensus can still be achieved through constructive dialogue and national consultation.
Political analysts say the six-year term proposal has both merits and drawbacks. On one hand, it could lead to greater policy continuity, reduced campaign spending, and governance stability. On the other, critics warn it could reduce accountability, as leaders would no longer fear voter retribution at the ballot box.
Civil society organizations have also raised concerns about how such a system would be implemented, particularly regarding transition arrangements and safeguards to prevent misuse of power during the extended term.
As the National Assembly continues its constitutional amendment process, many eyes will be on how lawmakers handle sensitive proposals like Kalu’s. With the country facing economic challenges, rising insecurity, and widespread calls for reform, the outcome of this debate could significantly reshape Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Senator Kalu concluded by urging his colleagues to put Nigeria first and make decisions that will stand the test of time. He said this is an opportunity to rewrite history and build a political system that delivers results, not just rhetoric.
