VP Shettima advocates for good governance, rules out changing Nigeria’s system

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has suggested that Nigeria’s priority should be good governance, rather than switching to a different system of government, as some people are advocating.

He made this statement while attending the 30th anniversary celebration of Yusuf Ali & Co (Ghalib Chambers) in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, on Saturday.

Shettima posited that democracy can thrive through adequate devotion to the rule of law and quality of governance.

He says, “Democracy can only survive by adherence to rule of law and quality of governance, not by parliamentary system as being canvassed by some people.

“Many nations that collapsed did so because of lack of access to truth and justice; their access to justice was frustrated and denied.”

He said “President Bola Tinubu never influenced the electoral process and we (presidency) never used instruments of office to hunt or hound perceived opponents standing trial”.

Former Works Minister Raji Fashola (SAN), on his part, stressed Nigeria previously used a parliamentary system but it was unsuccessful, which caused the nation to plunge into unjustifiable catastrophe.

He said “Let’s think deeply about why the parliamentary system failed us and have we overcome those reasons?”

He said: “Those calling for the system change are instigated by economic reasons. If only they are confident the government would provide for their economic need, they won’t chant this clamour for change.

“If there is sincerity of purpose, there will be better life for all even under the present system of government.

“Those calling for change of government are the canvassers of restructuring which can be done with constitutional review/amendment of the areas not suitable for us,” he said.

“Why must we go back to the system that once catapulted our country into disaster?” he queried.