METRO
SIX-YEAR SINGLE TENURE FOR THE PRESIDENT AND GOVERNORS: A SOLUTION OR A DISTRACTION?
The recent renewed call for a single six-year tenure for Nigeria’s President and Governors has reignited once again an important constitutional debate.
The central argument of proponents like Distinguished Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and his colleagues is straightforward: a Chief Executive who is not seeking re-election will be less distracted by politics and more focused on governance.
This proposition has some appeal and merit. Under the current constitutional arrangement, Presidents and governors are elected for four years and may seek one additional term. In practice (like what is presently playing out) preparations for re-election often commence well before the expiration of the first term, creating political pressures that can influence policy choices. A single tenure no doubt, could potentially eliminate this concern and encourage long-term policy implementation.
However, it is not necessarily about administrative efficiency alone. Democracy is fundamentally built on accountability and good governance. The prospect of re-election serves as one of the most powerful mechanisms through which citizens evaluate governmental performance. Removing that incentive for appraisal may inadvertently weaken democratic responsiveness and accountability.
Comparative constitutional experience demonstrates that no direct correlation exists between the length of tenure and the quality of governance. Nations in American and North European continents with fixed and relatively short executive tenures have produced transformative leaders. Conversely, many countries in Africa that permitted lengthy periods in office have suffered from poor governance, institutional decay, and democratic erosion.
The Nigerian experience equally suggests that governance outcomes are influenced more by leadership quality and institutional effectiveness than by tenure duration. For me, strong institutions, respect for constitutional limits, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law remain the primary determinants of governmental success.
From a constitutional perspective, therefore, our debate should not be framed as a choice between six years and eight years alone. Rather, an exhaustive inquiry should focus on which arrangement best promotes accountability, stability, effective governance, and democratic development.
We all agree that a constitutional amendment introducing a six-year single tenure is legally feasible in Nigeria if it follows the amendment procedures prescribed by the Constitution. The more important question, however, is whether such a change would address the underlying challenges of governance in Nigeria.
The answer is likely nuanced. It is possible that tenure reform may alter political incentives, but it cannot substitute for competent leadership, institutional integrity, and citizen participation which we all crave for.
A good leader can achieve significant results within a limited tenure, while a poor leader may squander and ruin his or her country the more even when given an extended period in office.
The real challenge before Nigeria is therefore not simply how long a President or governor should remain in office, but how to ensure that whoever occupies the office governs effectively with attendant dividends of democracy, responsibly, and in accordance with constitutional principles. That objective remains the true measure of a dream of a democratic success.
Dr M.O. Ubani SAN
Legal Practitioner/Policy Analyst.
The Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has commenced in earnest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with lawyers from across the country gathering for a week of professional engagement, networking and knowledge sharing.
Activities officially got underway with an early morning walking exercise, during which participants covered approximately 10 kilometres. The exercise provided an opportunity for lawyers to promote physical fitness while also reconnecting with friends, colleagues and professional associates they had not seen for several years.
The atmosphere was lively and camaraderie, with participants expressing excitement about the conference and the opportunities it presents for professional interaction and fellowship.
Among those actively participating in the conference is Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, who is present at the annual gathering and engaging with fellow members of the legal profession.
With the conference now in full swing, participants are looking forward to an engaging and memorable experience in Port Harcourt, featuring professional discussions, networking opportunities and other activities designed to strengthen the Nigerian legal profession.
Members honour a beautiful soul known for her warmth, kindness and caring spirit
Members of the United MCC 2005 Set of Modern Child College have joined family and friends to celebrate one of their cherished members, Jessica Nkechi Okoli, as she marks her birthday today, Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Jessica is widely regarded as a warm, friendly and caring person whose presence brings joy and comfort to those around her. Her kindhearted nature and welcoming personality have endeared her to many, making everyone who comes in contact with her feel valued, loved and at home.
As she celebrates another remarkable year of life, members of the United MCC 2005 Set expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the beautiful person she has continued to be, while celebrating the memories and bonds that have kept the set united over the years.
The members prayed that God would continue to guide, protect and bless Jessica, granting her good health, lasting happiness, prosperity and many more fruitful years.
They also wished her a birthday filled with love, laughter and unforgettable moments, praying that the years ahead will bring even greater reasons to be grateful.
Happy Birthday, Jessica Nkechi Okoli
May your beautiful soul continue to shine, and may your new age be filled with God’s abundant blessings. Many more years in good health, peace, happiness and prosperity. Amen.
Former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, joined a gathering of prominent Nigerian leaders, clergymen, and well-wishers to pay their final respects to Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara, JP, mother of Prof. John Kennedy Opara, pioneer Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).
The funeral service, held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuopara Obetiti, Nguru Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, celebrated the life of the matriarch, who passed away at the age of 83.
Ihedioha extended his heartfelt condolences to Prof. Opara, the entire Opara family, and all who mourn her passing, noting that her legacy of service, faith, and exemplary character remains an enduring inspiration.
The solemn event drew a high-powered delegation of political figures, traditional rulers, and church leaders from across the country, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; Baysela State Governor, Sen Douye Diri; former Anambra State Governor and 2027 NDC presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON; and Imo State Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru.
Others included Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila; former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel; and former Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, among others.
Numerous religious leaders also graced the funeral with their presence, including Archbishop +Ignatius Kaigama of the Abuja Ecclesiastical Province; Bishop +Simeon Okezuo Nwobi of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara (Mbaise); Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican communion, Most Rev Henry Ndukaku; Bishop +Chamberlain Ogunedo of the Mbaise Anglican Diocese; and Apostle Joshua Selman.
Traditional rulers in attendance included the former Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Chairman of Imo State Elders Council, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya; HRH Eze Reginald Amadi; and several other royal fathers.
The funeral service concluded with prayers for the Opara family as dignitaries paid their final respects to Chief Ezinne Christiana Opara before her interment.
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