NIM advocates for review of Nigeria`s system of government

The annual national conference of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) has commenced in the commercial city of Kano, with a call for the review of the presidential system of government currently being operated in the country.

The institute said there was a need for a second look at the presidential system of government, particularly the bicameral legislative houses in place, so as to determine if its adoption is economically wise for the country.

Olukunle Iyanda, national president of the institute disclosed that the review of the system of government would enable Nigerians decide whether they are politically sophisticated enough to practice the presidential system of government.

Iyanda’s address was titled ‘Re-Engineering Leadership for National Transformation.’ He stated that the institute was making the call against the background of the on-going national outcry over the high cost of governance.

“There is a need to take a hard look at the presidential system, as well as the legislative houses of the country. There have been a few questions as to whether the presidential system we have adopted is economically efficient; and whether our people are sufficiently politically sophisticated to practices the system, with the heavy concentration of power on the presidency.

“There seems to be a distinction without a difference in the membership of the two houses of the National Assembly. Perhaps we need to undertake an objective economic analysis of this system, with a view to re-engineering it to incorporate our traditional system of ruling.

“One idea comes to mind in this respect. Is it possible to constitute our upper legislative house with our leading traditional rulers who are non-partisan politically? They are likely to give alternative views that reflect the opinion and wishes of their people” he explained.

Commenting on the issue of restructuring, Iyanda, who is also chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute, noted that while the institute was of the view that restructuring would not be panacea for the nation`s ills, it believed it would go a long way in assuaging feeling of inequality in many parts of the country.

He said that the economical non viability of many of the current constituent states of the federation was another pointer to the need for the restructuring of the country.

“Any organisation that cannot meet the costs of its operations cannot surely provide for its future needs and growth. The existence of a strong, objectively analytical institution is likely to strengthen the hands of a courageous leadership not to pander for emotive demands that are not in the long term interest of the generality or majority of the citizenry.

“Concurrent with re-engineering the political administrative structure of the country is the need for devolution of power among the various tiers of the political administrative structure. The constituent units would be economically stronger to carry out many more responsibilities that are currently put on the federal tier. “It is a paradox that in decentralisation is found the ingredient that promotes unity, cohesion, and cooperation among what may seems disparate groups.

“Examples abound of countries such as Turkey, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and China that have transformed from underdeveloped to developed nations as a result of their appropriate structural organisation, courageous, determined, patriotic and principled leadership.

“These countries have reengineered both their leadership and mindset and r-oriented the citizenry and their ways of doing things. They are now success stories, models for other nations to replicate” he further explained.

The highlight of the annual conference which was attended by close to 400 participants drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital, Abuja, was the presentation of key papers presented by Professor Kamilu Sani Fage of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Vincent Anigbog, director-general, Institute of National Transformation, and Toyosi Akerele –Ogunsiji, founder/chief executive office, Rise Networks.

Adeola Ajakaiye, Kano