KANO business tycoon, Aminu Dantata, has thrown his weight behind the call for a parliamentary system of government as a solution to Nigeria’s problems.
Dantata stated this on Thursday when he received a team led by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, at his residence in Kano.
Nigeria practised the parliamentary system of government between 1960 and 1966.
The lawmakers argued that Nigeria should return to the parliamentary form of government because it is cheaper than the presidential form.
Meeting Dantata, a former member of parliament during the First Republic, the Chinda-led group said they remained committed and sincere to their push for the parliamentary government.
According to Chinda, the return of Nigeria to the parliamentary system is in the best interest of Nigerians and the country at large.
“We pray that Nigerians will understand our position and also support this position and urge their members (both senators and House of Representatives) to key into this project.
“This project will consolidate our unity as a nation rather than threaten it,” Chinda said.
He thanked the business mogul for giving them useful advice and inputs adding that they would continue to draw from his wealth of experience.
“We cannot thank you enough for your contribution on the issue, but will continue to tap from your wealth of experience,” he added.
In his remarks, Dantata, who rarely speaks on political issues in the country, shared his thoughts on the proposal by the lawmakers, describing the parliamentary government bill as welcoming, pledging to lend his support to the move.
The elder statesman said apart from being cheaper, the parliamentary system would enhance Nigeria’s stability by making the country easier to govern.
“The parliamentary system is better and cheaper for Nigeria than the presidential system, which is very costly, especially with the current economic situation in the country.
“I hope and pray that you will get more members in the assembly to support the project,” he said.
He prayed that the current security challenges bedeviling the country would come to an end.