Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said what the country needs is good governance, not a change in the system of governance as is clamoured in some quarters.
The Vice President spoke at the 30th anniversary of Yusuf Ali & Co (Ghalib chambers) in Ilọrin, Kwara State capital, on Saturday.
“Many nations that collapsed did so because of lack of access to truth and justice; their access to justice was frustrated and denied.”
Shettima, while speaking on the aftermath of the litigation that trailed the 2023 electoral process, added that President Bola Tinubu has never influenced the electoral process since he assumed office through the instrument of power.
He said “President Bola Tinubu never influenced the electoral process and we (presidency) never used instruments of office to hunt or hound perceived opponents standing trial”.
On his part, former Minister of Works, Raji Fashola (SAN), said Nigeria once practiced a parliamentary system but failed, which led the country into unwarranted disaster.
He said, “Let’s think deeply about why the parliamentary system failed us, and have we overcome those reasons?”
Rather than calling for a change in the system of government, the former minister suggested a liberal democracy that would ensure a better and improved livelihood for Nigerians.
He said: “Those calling for system change are instigated by economic reasons. If only they were confident the government would provide for their economic needs, they wouldn’t chant this clamour for change.
“If there is sincerity of purpose, there will be a better life for all even under the present system of government. Those calling for change of government are the canvassers of restructuring, which can be done with constitutional review/amendment of the areas not suitable for us,” he said.
He stated that poor distribution of the commonwealth and even development often played a common reason for the call for a change in the system of government.
Fashola, however, blamed the call for a change of system on poor education, especially political history: “If people are not accustomed to how a system works, they will be frustrated and call for its change. Why must we go back to the system that once catapulted our country into disaster?” he queried.
He advised that the nation retains the present federal arrangement with calls that excessive cost of governance be reduced, “not outright call for a parliamentary system..
He thanked the celebrant, Yusuf Ali, adding that the annual gathering has always rubbed off positively on society.
In his welcome address, the founder of Ghalib Chambers, Prof. Yusuf Ali, appreciated God for what he described as infinite favour and blessings for turning the fortunes of the firm beyond expectations.
