By Milcah Tanimu
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has vehemently opposed the proposed bill advocating for a single six-year term for the President and State Governors. Labeling it as anti-democratic, NANS vows to mobilize nationwide protests if the bill passes through the House of Representatives.
The bill, introduced by 35 members of the House under the Reformed-minded Legislators group, also suggests the rotational presidency among the country’s six geopolitical zones.
In a press conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the National Clerk of the Senate of NANS, Yekini Adewale, criticized the bill, denouncing it as a diversionary tactic from pressing economic issues. Adewale highlighted the potential erosion of accountability and transparency if such legislation is enacted.
NANS firmly stated that passing the bill would undermine the essence of democracy by limiting the electorate’s power to vote out non-performing leaders. In response, they pledged to organize mass protests to safeguard democratic principles.
The association has called upon all Nigerians to stand against what they perceive as a threat to democratic values and promised to allocate a dedicated day for Nigerian students to march against the National Assembly’s actions.