By Polycarp Auta
Jos – Gov. Tanko Al-Makura, of Nasarawa State says he supports the adoption of a unicameral system of legislature as against the present bicameral system being practiced in Nigeria.
Al-Makura made his position known at the APC North-Central Public Consultation on True Federalism, on Thursday in Jos.
The governor, who chaired the event, said bicameral legislation consumed many resources; hence it was too expensive for the nation’s economy.
“bicameral legislative system is too expensive for the economy of this country.
“With 360 parliamentarians at the lower chamber and the 109 at the upper chamber, huge resources are being expended on them.
“I will prefer a situation where a population of like 500 persons should have one person to represent them in a single chamber.
“That way, the cost of maintaining a double chamber will drastically reduce and resources channelled into other areas that will bring development for the nation,” he said.
Al-Makura also said the business of legislation should not be left in the hands of the illiterates, adding that legislation demanded that very serious people be elected as lawmakers.
The governor called for a constitution amendment that would further perfect the present presidential system as against the call for a change to parliamentary system.
He said going back to parliamentary system of government would not help the growth and development of the country.
In his speech, the North-Central APC chairman, Alhaji Zakari Idde, called for massive public enlightenment on the meaning, scope, perspective and implication restructuring.
He said the call for restructuring was not to malign anybody or group of people but for the useful benefit of the entire country.
In his address of welcome, the Governor of Plateau, Mr Simon Lalong, said the public consultation was apt, adding that that it would promote the country’s democracy.
He also said restructuring did not mean the balkanisation of Nigeria, but the call to move the country forward.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had traditional rulers, cultural groups, NGOs, among others in attendance. (NAN)