VP-Shettima Highlights Urgency Of Good Governance In Nigeria (View Text)

VP-Shettima Highlights Urgency Of Good Governance In Nigeria (View Text)

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has emphasized that the country needs good governance rather than a change in its system of governance. Speaking at the 30th anniversary of Yusuf Ali & Co (Ghalib Chambers) in Ilorin, Kwara State, Shettima highlighted that democracy thrives through the rule of law and quality governance, not by shifting to a parliamentary system as some have suggested.

Shettima underscored that President Bola Tinubu did not influence the electoral process after assuming office, maintaining integrity in the use of power. “President Bola Tinubu never influenced the electoral process and we (presidency) never used instruments of office to hunt or hound perceived opponents standing trial,” he said.

Former Minister of Works, Raji Fashola (SAN), also spoke at the event, noting that Nigeria had previously experimented with a parliamentary system, which ended disastrously. Fashola encouraged deep reflection on why the parliamentary system failed and whether those reasons have been resolved.

Fashola argued that calls for system change are economically motivated. “If there is sincerity of purpose, there will be a better life for all, even under the present system of government,” he stated. He suggested that restructuring could be achieved through constitutional amendments rather than a complete overhaul of the governmental system.

He attributed the demand for systemic change to inadequate education, especially in political history, suggesting that lack of understanding leads to disillusionment and calls for transformation. “Why must we go back to the system that once catapulted our country into disaster?” he queried.

Fashola recommended maintaining the current federal structure while reducing the excessive cost of governance without shifting to a parliamentary system.

The celebrant, Prof Yusuf Ali, expressed gratitude for the firm’s success and the positive societal impact of the annual gathering.

In summary, both Shettima and Fashola advocate for improving the current system through better governance and constitutional adjustments rather than reverting to a previously failed parliamentary system.