Agbakoba, Fasehun, Keyamo back five-year single tenure

July 27, 2012 by Agency Reporter 

Former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Founder of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress, Dr. Frederick Fasehun
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Three eminent Nigerians on Thursday lauded the proposal for a five-year single term for some public officers in the ongoing debate for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.    

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, they said the proposed single term of five years being considered by the Senate was a good idea.

NAN reports that the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment had reportedly proposed either a five-year or seven-year single tenure for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies.

Former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), told NAN on the telephone that there was some sense in the proposal.

“The answer on whether or not I support it is not easy.

“I like the idea of a single tenure, though it will require some careful thinking,” he said.

The former NBA boss said a single term would allow whoever comes into office in those capacities to focus on the job rather than re-election.

“Re-election bid creates problems as too much money is amassed by office holders for it,” he said.

Agbakoba asserted that the country’s constitution required substantial modifications to cope with the enormous challenges facing the nation.

Also, the Founder of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, described the proposed five-year single tenure as a good development for Nigeria.

“It is better for us as it will reduce the tendencies of elected public office holders to illicitly amass wealth.

“Rather than eight years of looting, Nigerians could endure for five,” he said.

Similarly, Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Festus Keyamo, said he supported the idea.

“I support it as long as the present administration does not benefit from it,” he said.

Keyamo said a five-year single tenure would reduce the problems of incumbents using state funds to run for second term.

SOURCE:  The Punch - Nigeria's Most Widely Read Newspaper 27 July 2012.