Nigeria’s Presidential System Under Scrutiny: Tonye Cole Calls for Reform

In a bold statement, Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State for the 2023 general elections, has urged Nigeria to reconsider its current presidential system of government. Cole’s comments, made on Channels Television’s Politics Today, highlight the growing discontent with the country’s political framework. He emphasized that the imported American-style presidential system is not suitable for Nigeria, echoing the sentiments of many Africans who feel that their countries’ political systems are not tailored to their unique cultural contexts.

Cole’s words resonate deeply, as he noted that every successful country has developed a system of government that is rooted in its own culture and history. He cited Arab nations and China as examples of countries that have rejected Western political models, instead opting for systems that are more in line with their indigenous values and traditions. This approach, Cole argued, has been key to their success. In contrast, Nigeria’s attempts to adopt a presidential system have been hindered by its inability to accommodate the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

The politician’s comments also touched on the limitations of Nigeria’s current system, which he believes can be exploited by a few powerful individuals. He argued that the presidential system has not built institutions that can hold people to account, leading to a lack of accountability and transparency. Furthermore, Cole pointed out that Nigeria’s institutions, modeled after the British system, are not compatible with the country’s culture. This incompatibility, he suggested, is a major obstacle to the country’s progress.

Cole’s solution is to build a political system that is truly African and Nigerian-focused. He emphasized that Nigeria had a functional indigenous political structure before colonization, which was disrupted by the imposition of Western-style governance. By returning to its roots and embracing its unique cultural identity, Cole believes that Nigeria can create a more effective and sustainable system of government. As he put it, "Let us build an African, Nigerian-focused political system and we have had it. We had a political system before the Europeans came, we had a political system even when the slave trade was going on. So, what are we running away from? We know what to do."

In conclusion, Tonye Cole’s call to action highlights the need for Nigeria to rethink its approach to governance. By embracing its cultural heritage and developing a system that is tailored to its unique context, Nigeria can potentially unlock a more prosperous and stable future. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of its political landscape, Cole’s words serve as a reminder that true progress can only be achieved by staying true to one’s roots and values.