7-Year Single Term of Office is Unrealistic.

An online news media (http://nationalmirroronline.net/news/16094.html?print?print) has reported, that the Presidency has concluded plans to send a bill to the National Assembly, for a single term of seven years for governors and presidents. The reason being that political violence was always caused, by the resolve of the incumbent governors and president to run for a second tenure of office. Dear President GEJ, if the above intension is true, then the writer completely disagrees with you and other proponents of this idea.

Mr. President, the true cause(s) of political violence is the lack of transparence in our political processes and injustice in Nigeria. Single term of 7, 8, or 9 years will not solve the matter until there is complete transparency, fairness, honesty and justice, in the system. In addition, the level of corruption is more than capable to cause political unrest. Mr. President, our country needs fundamental restructuring. Nothing short of true federalism or confederation is needed. The writer is aware that Mr. President is not in support of sovereign national conference. This makes matter(s) worst, because the nation’s problems can only be solved when the different aggrieved regions, states etc sit on the table and tell each other the truth and chat a way forward.

Just today (12/07/11), it was reported on the news that Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) has called on you (President GEJ) to convene a sovereign national conference, to afford Nigerians the opportunity to discuss and possibly give birth to Republic of Niger Delta. South Sudan was used as an example. Mr. President, several groups are agitating for self-determination, these calls cannot be wished away. It’s a clear indication that all is not well with our polity. Listen to the people and find out what they want. Perhaps, your government can conduct a referendum to find out what Nigerians want. Instead of seeking for a seven year term, emphasizes should be on how to restructure the nation with a view to developing various parts of the country. To the writer, four years is more than enough to put back Nigeria on the path to greatness. Whatever that cannot be accomplished in four years might also not be completed in seven years. May God bless Nigeria.

Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist, Based in UK.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/