Former Senate President and delegate representing Enugu State, Chief Ken Nnamani, GCON, has argued that “strong democratic institutions can only be possible if we have strong leaders.” He adds that “strong leaders will invariably usher in great institution.”

He made this assertion while contributing to the debate of the Committee on Politics and Governance, co-chaired by Prof. Jerry Gana and Chief Olu Falae. He also argues that the “immunity clause was and is still the flag bearer of corruption,” asking, “Why will someone have immunity and have licence to do whatever he likes and not be questioned?”

Senator Nnamani therefore throws his weight behind deleting the section of the constitution that gives immunity to elected public officials. He reminds elected public officials that “There is life after office. If you do well in office, you should not be afraid of life after office.”

He raises the alarm over the way Nigerian politics hae been taken over by moneybags, saying that “we are degenerating into a situation where good candidates will not be able to afford the cost of election. I am of the view that the National Conference not being a policy body should recommend how costs of electioneering should be reduced.”

Also speaking on the committee report, Senator Ahmadu Ali argues that the immunity clause must not be removed. Engineer Buba Galadima argues that there is no need for regulation of political parties by anybody or institution, saying whoever wants to contest election should be allowed to contest.

On the issue of good governance, Engineer Galadima argues that there won’t be good governance if there is no impartial and independent judiciary. According to him, “If the judiciary are impartial, those in authority will sit up and obey the rule of law. When the judges are being tele-guided, we may never have good governance in Nigeria.”

Professor Awolu Yadudu supports the committee’s report for independent candidature. He recommends that all relevant provisions of law should be amended to facilitate the eligibility of people to stand for election.

Senator Bucknor Koforola Akerele submits that if Nigerians are for affirmative action, 35% of positions at all levels of political party should be reserved for women. She argues that the scope of democracy will not be enhanced if we only talk about independent candidature, without talking about formation of political parties.

Ms. Fati Eunice Ibrahim observes that politics is about people and inclusiveness. She observes further that what is happening in today’s politics is that there are lots of sycophants who are advising our leaders in a wrong way. She bemoans the effect of money in Nigeria’s politics saying, “Money politics is bringing corruption in Nigeria. The higher bidder gets elected.”

Sen. Bello Maitama Yusuf declares that Nigeria is under siege. He submits that justice, equity, fair play will make Nigeria a great nation. According to him, 80% of Nigerian youths are unemployed. He therefore calls on Nigeria to start a welfare program to cater for the poor.

Prof. Akin Oyebode says that Nigeria is at a crossroad. According to him, “If we don’t make earth-shaking recommendations from this conference, our effort would have gone down the drain. The exercise of political engineering that the committee (Politics and Governance Committee) has championed will not come to fruitfulness if there is no political will to implement it.”

He narrates that his experience in the past few weeks shows the power of money in Nigeria’s politics. According to Prof. Oyebode, Nigerians are getting tired of the “revolving door” of Nigeria’s politics.