Vice-President Kashim Shettima emphasized that Nigeria requires good governance rather than a change in its system of governance, a notion promoted by some groups. Speaking at the 30th anniversary of Yusuf Ali & Co (Ghalib Chambers) in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Saturday, Shettima highlighted the importance of adhering to the rule of law and ensuring quality governance for the survival of democracy, rather than shifting to a parliamentary system as suggested by some,Daily Trust reports.
“Many nations that collapsed did so because of lack of access to truth and justice; their access to justice was frustrated and denied,” he stated.
Addressing the aftermath of litigation following the 2023 electoral process, Shettima asserted that President Bola Tinubu did not influence the electoral process or use the powers of his office to target opponents.
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Former Minister of Works, Raji Fashola (SAN), also spoke at the event, noting that Nigeria had previously attempted a parliamentary system, which ultimately led to disaster. He urged careful consideration of why the parliamentary system failed and whether those issues have been resolved. Instead of advocating for a system change, Fashola suggested that liberal democracy could improve Nigerians’ livelihoods.
“Those calling for a change in the system are motivated by economic reasons. If they believed the government could meet their economic needs, they wouldn’t be clamoring for change,” Fashola argued. He emphasized that sincere governance could lead to a better life for all under the current system and that restructuring could be achieved through constitutional amendments rather than a complete system overhaul.
Fashola also attributed calls for system change to poor education, particularly in political history. He questioned the wisdom of returning to a system that previously led to disaster and recommended retaining the current federal arrangement while reducing excessive governance costs.
Expressing gratitude, Fashola thanked the celebrant, Yusuf Ali, and acknowledged the positive impact of the annual gathering on society. In his welcome address, Prof. Yusuf Ali, founder of Ghalib Chambers, expressed gratitude to God for the firm’s success, attributing it to divine favor and blessings.
