Attah wants parliamentary system of government

Etim Ekpimah

Former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, has advocated for a return to the parliamentary system of government, to enable communities select and elect people to represent them.

According to Attah, the presidential system of government currently practice in Nigeria is too expensive to sustain.

He said this during a virtual Public Policy Dialogue, organised by Ricchezza Initiative for Social Empowerment monitored in Uyo.

Attah stated that a government that must impact on the people must originate from, and maintain regular interface with the people at the grassroots.

He said that the cost of election in the presidential system has robbed the masses of the allegiance of their representatives.

He noted that public office holders now strive to satisfy the yearnings of their sponsors at the detriment of the people, who voted them to power.

“I came here with something; “COME LET US REASON TOGETHER” cause I knew that whatever you are, whatever your exposure, however intelligent you are, you can’t do it apower

“You must have a community that works with you, tell you what their needs are, tell you what their demands are and leadership means being able to fulfil those things for the people.

“Today, people do not truly communicate with their representatives because they did not really seriously need their vote to get into offices. That is why the presidential system is not working for Nigeria.

“The parliamentary system made it possible for those representing the community to be elected by the community, not the party, not the law court. The people would know who they want. You cannot rig the conscience of the pNigeria

“The cost of election today is tremendously expensive, making it difficult for public office holders to do what the communities want. They do what the sponsors want.

“To campaign across the country in the case of presidential election or across the state for those contesting as governors, you need a lot of money. So, the moment you are sworn into office, you focus on your sponsors,” Attah said.

The former governor maintained that the parliamentary system of government would give room for true federalism, where the federating units would be able to take full control of their resources.

Ricchezza Initiative for Social Empowerment, Mr Udeme Etukayin, who anchor the forum said that the policy engagement series was designed to xray views with the aim of evaluating solution- driven-leadership and governance in Africa.

According to him, Attah is the Lead Speaker on the forum due to his wealth of experience, impact and wisdom in the design and development of Uyo master plan.