Vice-President Kashim Shettima emphasized the need for good governance over a shift to a parliamentary system during his speech in Ilorin, Kwara state, yesterday at the 30th anniversary of Yusuf Ali & Co. (Ghalib Chambers), a law firm.

Shettima argued that democracy thrives through adherence to the rule of law and quality governance, not by changing governmental structures.

“Democracy can only survive by adherence to the rule of law and quality of governance, not by the parliamentary system as being canvassed by some people,” He stated. Shettima warned that many nations have collapsed due to a lack of access to truth and justice.

Addressing the aftermath of the 2023 elections, he insisted that President Bola Tinubu did not influence the electoral process, stating, “President Bola Tinubu never influenced the electoral process, and we (the presidency) never used instruments of office to hunt or hound perceived opponents standing trial.”

 Former Minister of Works, Raji Fashola, also spoke at the event, advocating for the retention of Nigeria’s federal system. Fashola advised against shifting to a parliamentary system, instead calling for a reduction in the “excessive” cost of governance.

“Let’s think deeply about why the parliamentary system failed us and have we overcome those reasons,” Fashola questioned. He suggested that calls for a system change are economically motivated, driven by a lack of confidence in the government’s ability to meet economic needs.