Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has called for a shift towards a governance system in Nigeria that would mitigate corruption and enhance government accountability to the people.
Speaking at a policy dialogue organized by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought (ASSPT), Cardinal Onaiyekan emphasized the urgency for change, asserting that the current trajectory is unsustainable.
He advocated for a parliamentary system, acknowledging its pros and cons, as a potential solution to curbing corruption and bringing governance closer to the citizens.
Highlighting the need to minimize opportunities for embezzlement and misuse of resources, Cardinal Onaiyekan stressed that any system that fosters transparency and accountability would benefit the nation.
Regarding the contentious issue of pension entitlements for governors, Cardinal Onaiyekan criticized the disparity between lavish post-office benefits for political leaders and meager pensions for retired civil servants.
He argued for a fairer distribution of resources and benefits, condemning the legal loopholes that enable systemic theft within the government.
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On the topic of constitutional reform, Cardinal Onaiyekan asserted that restructuring, rather than mere amendments, is essential to address the systemic deficiencies in governance.
He advocated for a clearer delineation of powers and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of effective governance at the grassroots level.
Echoing similar sentiments, Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Mr. Kingsley Chinda, endorsed the parliamentary system as a more suitable model for Nigeria. He emphasized the need for a governance framework that rewards integrity and accountability.
Representing the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Dr. Akin Fapohunda underscored the importance of establishing a structured process for national restructuring. He emphasized the necessity of defining clear milestones and timelines to guide the reform agenda effectively.
Catholic priest Fr. George Ehusani emphasized the pivotal role of integrity in nation-building, cautioning against the detrimental impact of “elite idiocy” on national development.
In conclusion, the dialogue highlighted the pressing need for systemic reforms to address governance challenges and promote national prosperity.
