The founder and chancellor of the Afe Babalola University and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola has asked the Govenment to push the upcoming general elections back by 6 months.
Speaking to a news conference in Ado Ekiti, Chief Babalola explained that an interim government should replace the current administration in 2023. He added that the interim government should be in force for six months to chart a new course for Nigeria.
According to him, this interim government should come up with a new constitution that would tackle insecurity, economic, political and other excruciating ills affecting the nation. He stressed that the a delay of the 2023 elections was important. At least until this new look constitution was in place.
He said,
“To save Nigeria from nose-diving into irretrievable bankruptcy and poverty, irreparable economic and political damage brought about by the 1999 constitution and its beneficiaries, a new constitution is imperative before any election.
“I, therefore, strongly advocate that we should postpone the 2023 elections until the Interim Government put in place after the expiration of Buhari’s government has put in place a new truly People’s Constitution.”
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He also added that this interim government should be a team of former Presidents and vice-presidents; some selected ministers and governors as well as delegates of prominent professional associations like the Nigeria Medical Association, Nigeria Bar Association and the Nigeria Labour Congress among others.
“The 1999 Constitution has made politics become not only very attractive, but a lucrative business in Nigeria today. What this means is that any election that holds under the present scenario will end up producing transactional and recycled leaders with no ability to turn things around.”
Still on the new constitution, Chief Babalola said it should also spell out rules and regulations on improved qualifications of those contesting elections.
He said,
“the new Constitution should also provide a body at the local, state and federal levels to screen all aspirants on the sources of their wealth and means of livelihood, criminal record which includes pending suits.” Adding that any person that plans to become the President of Nigeria should have a university degree and be under the age of 60.
