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\u2019s efforts through criticisms of government\u2019s policies and programmes.<\/p>\n
Kalu said it was unfair for anybody or politician to castigate the APC of wrongdoings, stating that APC\u2019s criticism of government\u2019s policies and programmes was healthy for democracy.<\/p>\n
Addressing reporters yesterday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, on arrival from London, Kalu said APC\u2019s criticisms were meant to offer a viable opposition in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
The frontline businessman noted that this would enable the ruling party to address fundamental issues bordering on governance.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is good for every government to have a good, healthy opposition. People say APC is a saboteurs\u2019 party; I don\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The former governor proposed the abolition of the presidential system, because \u201cit is wasteful\u201d and called for the adoption of the parliamentary system and regionalism.<\/p>\n
According to him, this is more representative, cheaper and result-oriented.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see our working together as parliamentarians and ministers. This means that if you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt happens that way in some countries, including South Africa. We don\u2019t need the present Upper House and Lower House because it is expensive\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
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