Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has submitted a comprehensive set of constitutional amendments to the National Assembly, in a letter dated August 30, 2024. The central element of Atiku’s recommendations is that the office of the president shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the Federation on a single term of six years, alternating between the North and South,” proposing amendments to Section 130(1) of the 1999 Constitution. He also called for changes to Sections 135(2) and 137(1)(b) to support this framework.
Atiku's proposal for rotation of office the president deserves commendation and serious consideration. The aspect of single term of six years is controversial, and may be ignored.
Rotating the presidency among the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria will cause Unity and Stability. This will prevent regional domination and hegemony, encourage collective ownership of national goals, enhance national cohesion and stability. It will also foster a sense of belonging among citizens; reduce secessionist and separatist movements like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which has cost the lives of Nigerians and disrupted Economic activities in parts of the country
It's time for Nigeria to embrace power rotation as a natural phenomenon, just like the earth's rotation, to ensure equal opportunities and representation.
*_How Atiku's proposal can work?_*
The implementation of idea of power rotation should begin from:
- the North Central Zone in 2031 followed by
- the South East Zone in 2039; the North East in 2047 and the
- the South-South in 2051 and
- the Northwest in 2059; and continue in that sequence.
The Constitution amendment in this regard must have a clause to provide that the rotation shall not be altered by any law or act of the national of the National Assembly until all states constituting the geopolitical zones equally benefit from the power rotation.
ATIKU who holds Tiv National honour of _"Zege mule u Tiv"_. His proposal resonates with the Tiv people's democratic power rotation principle, _"Ya na Angbian,"_ which ensures representation and equality among all regions. By replicating this principle at the federal level, Atiku aims to give marginalized groups Tiv, Idoma Igede etc a voice and opportunity to lead. He wants to ensure Tiv citizens can become president of Nigeria.
At the state levels too the office of the governor could be rotated amongst the local governments and alternated between the senatorial districts. So, that in Benue State for instance, the idoma and Igede people can occupy office of the governor and even rise to be president.
In conclusion, Atiku Abubakar's bold proposal for a rotational presidency is a beacon of hope for Nigeria's unity and stability. By embracing power rotation, Nigeria can prevent regional domination, foster economic growth, and promote social justice. Atiku's vision, inspired by the Tiv people's democratic power rotation principle, "Ya na Angbian," ensures equal opportunities and representation for marginalized groups. With potential economic, political, and social benefits, this proposal deserves serious consideration.
Let's rally behind Atiku's call for a united Nigeria, where every citizen has a voice and opportunity to lead.
Gabriel Feese, writes from Lagos Nigeria
gabrielfeese@gmail.com
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