Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu has corrected the insinuations by some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is sabotaging the ruling party’s efforts through criticisms of government’s policies and programmes.
Kalu said it was unfair for anybody or politician to castigate the APC of wrongdoings, stating that APC’s criticism of government’s policies and programmes was healthy for democracy.
Addressing reporters yesterday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, on arrival from London, Kalu said APC’s criticisms were meant to offer a viable opposition in Nigeria.
The frontline businessman noted that this would enable the ruling party to address fundamental issues bordering on governance.
“It is good for every government to have a good, healthy opposition. People say APC is a saboteurs’ party; I don’t agree with that. In a healthy democracy, there is supposed to be criticism. I want my party, the PDP, to stand up. It is only in a viable opposition that leaders will stand up. Leaders will be sleeping when there is no opposition.”
The former governor proposed the abolition of the presidential system, because “it is wasteful” and called for the adoption of the parliamentary system and regionalism.
According to him, this is more representative, cheaper and result-oriented.
“I am of the opinion that Nigeria should abolish the presidential system of government. My reason is that the appointed ministers should be members of parliament so that they can see wisdom in serving their nation. So, they can see wisdom in contributing to the arguments so that the lobbying between the ministers and the legislature will stop.
“I see our working together as parliamentarians and ministers. This means that if you don’t win an election, you cannot come and become a minister. This is the way it used to be before. It will also be less expensive.
“I believe genuinely that the parliamentary system is cheaper and cost-effective and it is also the way to go for our democracy. We should have a President and a Vice President. We should even have a President and have a Prime Minister.
“It happens that way in some countries, including South Africa. We don’t need the present Upper House and Lower House because it is expensive…”
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