A bill to introduce the parliamentary system of government in Nigeria has been read for the first time in the House of Representatives.

The bill which was introduced during Thursday’s plenary was sponsored by seventy-one lawmakers.

The major difference between the presidential and the parliamentary system of government is that in a presidential system, the president is directly voted into power by the people while in a parliamentary system, the legislature holds supreme and votes a prime minister into power; there is also no clear separation of power.

Addressing reporters, the 71 lawmakers said a parliamentary system of government will help achieve economic growth and development in the country.

The lawmakers led by Kingsley Chinda from Rivers state said: “Studies have shown that countries run by presidential regimes consistently produce: lower output growth, higher and more volatile inflation, and greater income inequality relative to those under parliamentary ones.

“Presidential regimes consistently produce less favourable macroeconomic outcomes which prevail in a wide range of circumstances for example in Nigeria.

“Due to the excessive powers domiciled to one man under the presidential systems, consensus building that is often required for economic decision is always lacking.

“The level of liability and volatility of presidential systems makes it difficult to achieve economic objectives.”

The 71 lawmakers  also argued that parliamentary systems promote inclusion and collectiveness “which is critical to equality of income distribution and opportunities.”

Among the representatives include those of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).