Elder statesman Robert Clarke has voiced grave concerns about Nigeria’s current governance system, highlighting that it should be changed and returned to the parliamentary system of government.
In a candid interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Clarke painted a stark picture of a nation grappling with deep-rooted political issues that hinder true democratic progress.
He said, “My view is that Nigeria should change its system of governance. Do we go back to the old system? Do we continue with the present presidential system? My view is that we should go back to the parliamentary system where anybody who does anything can be accountable to the people on the floor of the house. The Prime minister can be examined, the President can be examined on the floor of the house and can be taken care of there, not the party forming a caucus somewhere and taking decisions on behalf of the people.”
“The present set of governance in Nigeria is the problem we have,” Clarke asserted, pointing out that the current system “enriches the pockets of the elite” while leaving the majority of Nigerians behind.
Clarke didn’t mince words when describing the state of affairs, saying, “Nigeria is now wearing the tulle gown of armed banditry, kidnapping and so many other things.” He expressed frustration with the inability to conduct elections that are widely perceived as free and fair, underscoring the erosion of public trust in the democratic process.
The elder statesman proposed reforms to improve leadership quality in Nigeria. He advocated for the introduction of independent candidates, arguing that the current system, dominated by a small circle of party elites, fails to represent the broader populace. “The political system in Nigeria today is very faulty,” Clarke stated. “It has shifted balance from the people’s hands into a class of people.“
Clarke identified money as a significant obstacle in Nigerian politics, noting that entering the political class requires substantial financial resources. This, he argues, has led to a situation where “the common man is not getting the benefit of democracy” while the rich are getting richer and the politicians are “dominating in all aspects of our life.”
Proposing a return to the parliamentary system, Clarke suggested that such a model would enhance accountability. He envisioned a system where leaders, including the Prime Minister and President, could be examined and held accountable on the floor of the house, rather than decisions being made by party caucuses behind closed doors.
He said, “We have to allow independent candidates to fit into our system of governance, because if we allow the parties to dictate, the parties will be created in the boardroom, created in the tea room and those of us outside the boardrooms and tearooms will not have a say in what goes on.”
Melissa Enoch
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