Adeseye Ogunlewe argues against state creation, citing inefficiencies within Nigeria’s constitution. He proposes electoral reform through a collegiate system to reduce election costs and advocates for youth education as vital for economic and security improvement. Ogunlewe emphasizes the importance of cooperation between branches of government and promotes a focus on incremental constitutional revisions rather than comprehensive changes.
Adeseye Ogunlewe, a former senator from Lagos State affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), argues against the creation of additional states, deeming it unproductive under the rigid constraints of the 1999 constitution. He emphasized the necessity for structural and electoral reforms, claiming that the exorbitant costs associated with Nigerian elections are untenable.
On the subject of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent suspension, Ogunlewe refrained from commenting, deferring to the judicial process to resolve the matter. He also pointed out that prior suspensions have been addressed through the courts, signaling the need to await judicial outcomes before drawing conclusions.
In regards to the accusations of the National Assembly acting as a rubber stamp for the executive, Ogunlewe stated that cooperation between the legislature and the executive can be beneficial for the nation. He advocated for communication and resolution between the ruling APC and the government to ensure harmonious governance.
He was questioned about the expenses tied to Nigeria’s bicameral legislature, to which he responded that it allows for broader representation necessary in such a diverse nation. He dismissed calls for a unicameral system, suggesting that a bicameral legislature remains appropriate given Nigeria’s complexity.
Ogunlewe addressed the need for a constitutional review, asserting that amending the rigid Nigerian constitution is challenging. He suggested a focus on piecemeal changes rather than a complete overhaul, as the constitution currently only permits amendments.
He acknowledged the call for power devolution to states but reiterated the constitutional constraints that hinder such changes. Regarding electoral reform, Ogunlewe proposed a new electoral law that would simplify the electoral process, advocating for a collegiate system where potential candidates would first emerge from legislative ranks, thus reducing the costs associated with nationwide campaigns.
Despite clarifying that he does not advocate a return to a parliamentary system, Ogunlewe reiterated that altering the election mode would strengthen the presidential system while also emphasizing cost efficiency.
Addressing the ideological instability of Nigerian politicians, he suggested that democracy in Nigeria is still maturing and will improve with time and experience. On the discussion of state creation, he indicated that the current attempts are futile due to constitutional limitations, preferring the existing regional administrations for effective governance.
He advised that the Nigerian government focus on youth education and capacity building as a way to enhance the economy and security. By investing in education, Ogunlewe believes that Nigeria could nurture valuable human resources that could elevate its global standing.
Amidst calls for separation among some Nigerians, he expressed a strong commitment to unity, rallying support for the upcoming campaign for Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, with plans to galvanize voting support across the nation.
In summary, Adeseye Ogunlewe advocates for structural reforms and a collegiate electoral system in Nigeria to address the high costs of elections. He emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the legislature and executive and promotes the need for incremental constitutional amendments. Additionally, he highlights the critical role of education in bolstering Nigeria’s economy and security while urging national unity amidst calls for separation. His insights reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges Nigeria currently faces.
Original Source: businessday.ng
