Issues

Presidential System Of Government: A Drain On National Economy?

Published

10 years ago

October 6, 2014

Chief Elias Mbam, the Chair
man, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), did not disapprove of the presidential system of government when he appeared before the National Conference’s Committee on Public Finance.
He only raised a fundamental issue: The system of government was depleting the nation’s economy.
“The presidential system of government is much more expensive than parliamentary system of government, as practised in the First Republic.
“The presidential system is characterised by large executive cabinet, consisting of personal assistants, special advisers, senior special advisers and large legislative setup on full-time basis,” he said.
In order to reduce the high cost of governance, Mbam recommended that the federal and state governments should avoid the duplication of appointment of political office holders.
He also suggested that there should be a law limiting the number of political appointees in the three tiers of government.
Mbam, who spoke on how to boost the government’s revenue in order to fast track development, also called for the abolition of laws which allowed government agencies to spend or retain part of the revenue they generated.
“Such arrangement would ensure that all earnings are duly remitted into the Federation Account,’’ he said.
Bisides, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, alluded to the high cost of the presidential system when he proposed the adoption of a modified Presidential System of Government for effective governance and enduring democracy in Nigeria.
Ekweremadu made the call when he delivered a paper on “Constitution Amendment in an Emerging Democracy: The Nigerian Experience” at the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC, in the U.S. recently.
“The presidential system of government has often come under criticism for its concentration of powers in political chief executives.
“The system encourages divisive, factional and sectional competition for political offices, expensiveness and promotion of the politics of strong men, rather than strong institutions,” he added.
Ekweremadu noted that while the parliamentary system looked attractive, it, nonetheless, failed the country in the First Republic.
He also noted that the challenges of governance in Nigeria were not essentially due to the choice of governmental system but “the warped implementation of these systems’’.
Ekweremadu argued that Nigeria needed to inject some elements of parliamentary system in its presidential system of government so as to entrench greater accountability and cohesion in governance.
“I suggest a hybrid system or modification of the present presidential system to introduce ‘Question Time’ in the parliament at pre-determined regular intervals,’’ he said.
He said that the proposed arrangement would hold ministers consistently accountable, while it would replace impeachment with a vote-of-no-confidence procedure to make way for early elections whenever the need arose.
Sharing similar sentiments, Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River also decried the high cost of the presidential system of government.
He said that Nigeria’s presidential system of government cost billions of naira to run, stressing that there were other ways of running the system in a cheaper way.
“One thing I have against the presidential system is that it is too expensive. Our democracy costs billions; we are spending a lot of money in the name of democracy.
“There are other ways we can spend less; I also expect that people should get into office without spending much,” Imoke said.
Echoing similar viewpoints, analysts argue that it is somewhat expensive to operate the presidential system of government in Nigeria.
For instance, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (now Emir of Kano), once grumbled that 25 per cent of the Federal Government’s overhead went to the National Assembly.
His words: “I confirm that I did say in my speech at the Igbinedion University, Okada, that 25 per cent of the overhead of the Federal Government goes to National Assembly. I have figures from the Budget Office for the year 2010.
“The total government’s overhead is N536, 268, 49, 280. The total overhead of the National Assembly is N136, 259, 768, 112, which is exactly 25.4 per cent of Federal Government’s overhead.
“The overhead of the National Assembly as a percentage of the Federal Government budget in 2009 was 19. 87 and 14.19 in 2008,’’ Sanusi added.
Messrs David Imhonopi and Ugochukwu Urim, in their article on “ Nigeria’s Expensive Democracy: A Confederal Option for Development’’ in the Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, noted that in Nigeria, most people were not seeking public office to render service.
“By paying the highest set of salaries to its elected/political officials, Nigeria does not promote the principle of government as service and sacrifice. There is obviously something wrong in a democracy where public offices become the easiest means to acquire wealth.
“Government, by virtue of this system, constitutes a burden on the people, as its recurrent expenditure is always higher than its capital expenditure and this has continued to impact negatively on the economy,’’ they added.
However, Mbam told the National Conference’s Committee on Public Finance and Revenue that National Assembly members were not receiving fat salaries, as none of them was legally allowed to earn up to one million naira as monthly salary.
Obviously, Mbam’s statement was not doublespeak, as he based his presentation on some documents which were also available to the commission.
“Contrary to what is written in the papers, what we have approved for the senators and members of the House of Representatives indicate that none of them receives up to one million naira per month and they can testify to that.
“Their income is consolidated, it is not salary alone. All allowances and take-home pay are not up to N1 million. Anything in addition to that is not known to the commission,’’ he said.
Mbam said that as far as the law was concerned, RMAFC had the unique power to determine the remuneration of political office holders, adding that whatever was decided by RMAFC as remuneration for members of the National Assembly was final.
On the widespread allegation that senators receive as much as N240 million as salaries and allowances, as against the recommendations of the commission, Mbam stressed that it was the duty of the Clerk of the National Assembly to ensure compliance.
He argued that the Clerk of the National Assembly was the government accounting officer attached to the National Assembly, adding that anybody that went contrary to the provisions of the law could be charged to the court.
“If any accounting officer fails in his functions; of course, he should be held accountable and the same rule applies to the Auditor-General of the Federation. These are agencies of government responsible for monitoring the use of public funds.
“In 2002, the commission was taken to court for monitoring the use of money already allocated to a tier of government and the Supreme Court ruled that the commission was doing ‘busy body’.
“The apex court ruled that our major concern should be monitoring accruals into the Federation Account and ensuring that the beneficiaries get what is due to them.
“The Supreme Court declared that it is not our responsibility to monitor how monies disbursed to the tiers of government is being spent.
“Although it is not our wish to go against the ruling of the Supreme Court but we feel strongly that our job should not end in monitoring the disbursement of revenue.
“We should be able to check how judiciously the recipients have applied the resources at their disposal, but unfortunately, the laws do not allow us to do that.
“If the RMAFC is to be able to satisfactorily deal with its responsibilities, there is need for its Act to be amended, while the commission should be better funded and well motivated,” he said.
As Mbam has put to rest some contentious issues regarding the salary of political office holders; their affluence and ostentatious lifestyles could then be attributed to the problem of corruption in the country.
Imhonopi and Urim said: “Perhaps, the biggest drain on the public purse is the mind-boggling cost of over-priced government contracts. In short, government contracts are just avenues for milking the economy or minting new billionaires.’’
It is, however, pertinent to note that perceptive analysts, including Mbam, Ekweremadu and Imoke, do not have a problem with the presidential system of government; they only complain about its expensiveness.
Concerned citizens, therefore, urge all the political executives in the three tiers of government to make concerted efforts to cut down the cost of governance in the country.
“They can do this by refraining from appointing an army of aides without defined functions, while avoiding profligate spending,’’ some say.
Uko writes for News Agency of Nigeria (NAN

Obike Ukoh

Voters queuing to cast their votes during an election

Issues

Investing In Nyesom Wike: A Story Of Dedication, Sacrifice And Ultimate Loss

Published

1 week ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.

Tele Ikuru

Issues

Is Okocha A Happy Man Being Perpetual Hireling?

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2024

The Tide

The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?

Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .

Bernard C. Idike

Issues

Day Asari-Toru Declared Massive Support For Fubara

Published

1 month ago

March 11, 2024

The Tide

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.