If you stop and ask randomly on the streets of Nigeria the question: ‘What do you want your child to become in the future?’. Many would answer - ‘President of Nigeria.’!
How many people do really know what it takes to become a president, the responsibilities therein, as well as the perks and privileges of office. A glimpse into the presidential is attempted in this write-up.
To be eligible for the Office of the President of Nigeria, you must meet the following criteria:
AGE: You must be at least 40 years old.
CITIZENSHIP: You must be a citizen of Nigeria
POLITICAL AFFILIATION: You have to be a member of a political party or being sponsored by one.
EDUCATION: The Constitution is also very clear on this. A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.
That said, a person shall not be qualified for election to the Office of the President if: (subject to the provisions of section 28 of this Constitution)
(a) he has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a country other than Nigeria or, except in such cases as may be prescribed by the National Assembly, he has made a declaration of allegiance to such other country; or
(b) he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections; or
(c) under the law in any part of Nigeria, he is adjudged to be a lunatic or otherwise declared to be of unsound mind;
(d) he is under a sentence of death imposed by any competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria or a sentence of imprisonment or fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud (by whatever name called) or for any other offence, imposed on him by any court or tribunal or substituted by a competent authority for any other sentence imposed on him by such a court or tribunal; or
(e) within a period of less than ten years before the date of the election to the office of President he has been convicted and sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty or he has been found guilty of the contravention of the Code of Conduct; or
(f) he is an undischarged bankrupt, having been adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt under any law in force in Nigeria or any other country; or
(g) being a person employed in the civil or public service of the Federation or of any State, he has not resigned, withdrawn or retired from the employment at least thirty days before the date of the election; or
(h) he is a member of any secret society; or
(i) he has been indicted for embezzlement or fraud by a Judicial Commission of Inquiry or an Administrative Panel of Inquiry or a Tribunal set up under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act, a Tribunals of Inquiry Law or any other law by the Federal or State Government which indictment has been accepted by the Federal or State Government, respectively; or
(j) he has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
THE OATHS
An oath can be summarized to be “a solemn appeal to God to witness the truth of a statement or the sincerity of a promise, coupled with an imprecation of divine judgement in the event of falsehood or breach of obligation" The Seventh Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution makes provisions for Oaths.
AGE: You must be at least 40 years old.
CITIZENSHIP: You must be a citizen of Nigeria
POLITICAL AFFILIATION: You have to be a member of a political party or being sponsored by one.
EDUCATION: The Constitution is also very clear on this. A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.
That said, a person shall not be qualified for election to the Office of the President if: (subject to the provisions of section 28 of this Constitution)
(a) he has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a country other than Nigeria or, except in such cases as may be prescribed by the National Assembly, he has made a declaration of allegiance to such other country; or
(b) he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections; or
(c) under the law in any part of Nigeria, he is adjudged to be a lunatic or otherwise declared to be of unsound mind;
(d) he is under a sentence of death imposed by any competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria or a sentence of imprisonment or fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud (by whatever name called) or for any other offence, imposed on him by any court or tribunal or substituted by a competent authority for any other sentence imposed on him by such a court or tribunal; or
(e) within a period of less than ten years before the date of the election to the office of President he has been convicted and sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty or he has been found guilty of the contravention of the Code of Conduct; or
(f) he is an undischarged bankrupt, having been adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt under any law in force in Nigeria or any other country; or
(g) being a person employed in the civil or public service of the Federation or of any State, he has not resigned, withdrawn or retired from the employment at least thirty days before the date of the election; or
(h) he is a member of any secret society; or
(i) he has been indicted for embezzlement or fraud by a Judicial Commission of Inquiry or an Administrative Panel of Inquiry or a Tribunal set up under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act, a Tribunals of Inquiry Law or any other law by the Federal or State Government which indictment has been accepted by the Federal or State Government, respectively; or
(j) he has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
THE OATHS
An oath can be summarized to be “a solemn appeal to God to witness the truth of a statement or the sincerity of a promise, coupled with an imprecation of divine judgement in the event of falsehood or breach of obligation" The Seventh Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution makes provisions for Oaths.
The President must take two different oaths- The Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance.
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE:
I, ………. Do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So help me God.
OATH OF OFFICE OF PRESIDENT:
I, ………….. do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will discharge my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law, and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will strive to preserve the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions; that I will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will abide by the Code of Conduct contained in the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favor, affection or ill-will; that I will not directly or indirectly communication or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as President; and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of Nigeria. So help me God.
Although it is not quite pronounced, there is also a Presidential Yacht. Under the control of the Nigerian Navy, the Presidential Yacht is called NNS Amariya. and it also doubles as a training ship.
OFFICIAL SYMBOLS: THE PRESIDENTIAL SEAL AND THE PRESIDENTIAL FLAG
The Presidential seal is the official symbol of the Nigerian President and it was used for the first time in 1979 by Nigeria’s second President. It was not used again, even by the successive military regimes, until the coming of the Fourth Republic in 1999 when its use was reincarnated, and that is in place till date. The following are features and details of the Presidential Seal:
ARMIGER (In heraldry, the person entitled to use a coat of arms. Such an individual is said to be ARMIGEROUS): The Armiger or Bearer of the Presidential Seal is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
ESTUCHEON (this is the shield or shield-shaped emblem that displays the coat of arms): Made of blazoned sable a pall wavy argent. A blazon is a formal description of flag, coat of arms or similar emblem. In heraldry, the black tincture is referred to as sable.
SUPPORTERS (in heraldry, these are figures normally placed on both sides of the shield, and are shown holding it up. They are usually animals or mythical creatures): Two horses Argent.
MOTTO (a phrase to serve as a formal summary reflecting the intent of a group, organization or nation): UNITY AND FAITH, PEACE AND PROGRESS.
The Presidential Seal is one of the most visible symbols of the Presidency. It is used on documents emanating from the Presidency and sent to the National Assembly. It is also used on the presidential vehicles, lecterns (pulpit-like reading desk for speeches, lectures and presentations) and other places deemed applicable. (A photo of the seal is seen above)
THE PRESIDENTIAL FLAG (OR STANDARD) : As the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Head of State is entitled to fly his own flag (the Presidential Flag is also called the Presidential Standard). One very interesting thing about this flag is that it is quite visible but not many have noticed it.
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE:
I, ………. Do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So help me God.
OATH OF OFFICE OF PRESIDENT:
I, ………….. do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will discharge my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law, and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will strive to preserve the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions; that I will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will abide by the Code of Conduct contained in the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favor, affection or ill-will; that I will not directly or indirectly communication or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as President; and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of Nigeria. So help me God.
SPECIAL PRIVILEGES
It is the custom and tradition to bestow on a sitting or former Presidents the nation’s highest honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR). The GCFR is the highest of the four grades of the Order of the Federal Republic (which is one of the two orders of merit of Nigeria, the second one being the Order of the Niger) with others being the Commander of the Order of the Federation (CFR), Officer of the Order of the Federation (OFR) and Member of the Order of the Federation (MFR).
Also,when there is the launch of new currencies, the President would be the first person to see them and he/she also gives approval for such currencies before it is then put into circulation.
Only the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces and some others (Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Federation, State Governors, Deputy Governors and any other permitted by protocol) are allowed to mount and fly the National Flag on official vehicles.
Do also note that when the President and Commander-in-Chief is addressing the nation, the Coat of Arms is usually encapsulated in the Seal of the Nation and placed just above the Seat of the Commander-in-Chief. It is in offence for these portraits to be absent in government institutions or placed improperly or desecrated.
Furthermore, the Nigerian international passport is also valid and relevant because the President has vested some of his powers in it. Without the presidential authority vested in it, the Nigerian international passport is useless. The following words validates the presidential authority:
'These are to request and require in the name of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford him or her every assistance and protection of which he or she may stand in need'
FUNCTIONS / DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT
Contrary to what many think, the job functions/duties of the President according to the Nigerian constitution is as follows:
It is the custom and tradition to bestow on a sitting or former Presidents the nation’s highest honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR). The GCFR is the highest of the four grades of the Order of the Federal Republic (which is one of the two orders of merit of Nigeria, the second one being the Order of the Niger) with others being the Commander of the Order of the Federation (CFR), Officer of the Order of the Federation (OFR) and Member of the Order of the Federation (MFR).
Also,when there is the launch of new currencies, the President would be the first person to see them and he/she also gives approval for such currencies before it is then put into circulation.
Only the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces and some others (Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Federation, State Governors, Deputy Governors and any other permitted by protocol) are allowed to mount and fly the National Flag on official vehicles.
By virtue of being the Commander-in-Chief, the Nigerian Presidency can wear the highest ranks in the Nigerian Armed Forces which no military officer has attained in the history of the country. These ranks, all of which correspond to a five-star General are: Field Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet of the Nigerian Navy.
The portrait of the Commander-in-Chief appears usually right to the Coat of Arms at government establishments like ministries, agencies, state government houses, national assemblies, state assemblies, parastatals and other similar bodies. As for other Principal Officers/Chief Executives are automatically placed on the left of the Coat of Arms. You must have noticed these portraits as they are quite ubiquitous. The portraits also appear in some non-governmental institutions. Do observe while inside a banking hall the next time you are there. You would see boldly the portrait of the President hanging on the wall.
Furthermore, the Nigerian international passport is also valid and relevant because the President has vested some of his powers in it. Without the presidential authority vested in it, the Nigerian international passport is useless. The following words validates the presidential authority:
FUNCTIONS / DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT
Contrary to what many think, the job functions/duties of the President according to the Nigerian constitution is as follows:
1.Assenting to and signing of Bills.
2.Referring a Bill back to the National Assembly (Legislative Arm of the Government) for the reconsideration of the Bill’s constitutionality.
2.Referring a Bill back to the National Assembly (Legislative Arm of the Government) for the reconsideration of the Bill’s constitutionality.
3.Summoning the National Assembly, (or the Parliament) to an Extraordinary Sitting to conduct special business.
4.Making any appointments that the Constitution or legislation requires of the President, apart from those of being the Head of the National Executive.
4.Making any appointments that the Constitution or legislation requires of the President, apart from those of being the Head of the National Executive.
5.Appointing Commissions of Inquiry.
6.Calling a National Referendum in terms of an Act of Parliament.
7. Receiving and recognizing foreign diplomatic and consular representatives.
8. Appointing Ambassadors, Plenipotentiaries, and Diplomatic and Consular Representatives.
9. Pardoning or reprieving offenders and remitting any fines, penalties or forfeitures.
10.Conferring honors.
THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA
This is the official residence of the Nigerian President. This is better described as a fortress and it is the most heavily-guarded in Nigeria. It has various names: Aso Rock, Aso Villa, State House, The Rock or simply, The Villa. It is not just a single structure but has many buildings .
THE PRESIDENTIAL AIR FLEET/ YATCH
The Nigerian President travels in style and comfort. Stationed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja are 11 aircraft for the use of the Presidency.
7. Receiving and recognizing foreign diplomatic and consular representatives.
8. Appointing Ambassadors, Plenipotentiaries, and Diplomatic and Consular Representatives.
9. Pardoning or reprieving offenders and remitting any fines, penalties or forfeitures.
10.Conferring honors.
THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA
This is the official residence of the Nigerian President. This is better described as a fortress and it is the most heavily-guarded in Nigeria. It has various names: Aso Rock, Aso Villa, State House, The Rock or simply, The Villa. It is not just a single structure but has many buildings .
THE PRESIDENTIAL AIR FLEET/ YATCH
The Nigerian President travels in style and comfort. Stationed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja are 11 aircraft for the use of the Presidency.
Although it is not quite pronounced, there is also a Presidential Yacht. Under the control of the Nigerian Navy, the Presidential Yacht is called NNS Amariya. and it also doubles as a training ship.
OFFICIAL SYMBOLS: THE PRESIDENTIAL SEAL AND THE PRESIDENTIAL FLAG
The Presidential seal is the official symbol of the Nigerian President and it was used for the first time in 1979 by Nigeria’s second President. It was not used again, even by the successive military regimes, until the coming of the Fourth Republic in 1999 when its use was reincarnated, and that is in place till date. The following are features and details of the Presidential Seal:
ARMIGER (In heraldry, the person entitled to use a coat of arms. Such an individual is said to be ARMIGEROUS): The Armiger or Bearer of the Presidential Seal is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
CREST: On a wreath, Argent and Vert (means Green and White, in heraldry) with an eagle displayed gules. In heraldry, gule is a tincture of red colour.
ESTUCHEON (this is the shield or shield-shaped emblem that displays the coat of arms): Made of blazoned sable a pall wavy argent. A blazon is a formal description of flag, coat of arms or similar emblem. In heraldry, the black tincture is referred to as sable.
SUPPORTERS (in heraldry, these are figures normally placed on both sides of the shield, and are shown holding it up. They are usually animals or mythical creatures): Two horses Argent.
MOTTO (a phrase to serve as a formal summary reflecting the intent of a group, organization or nation): UNITY AND FAITH, PEACE AND PROGRESS.
The Presidential Seal is one of the most visible symbols of the Presidency. It is used on documents emanating from the Presidency and sent to the National Assembly. It is also used on the presidential vehicles, lecterns (pulpit-like reading desk for speeches, lectures and presentations) and other places deemed applicable. (A photo of the seal is seen above)
THE PRESIDENTIAL FLAG (OR STANDARD) : As the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Head of State is entitled to fly his own flag (the Presidential Flag is also called the Presidential Standard). One very interesting thing about this flag is that it is quite visible but not many have noticed it.
By Tun Henry
Acknowledgement: Abiyamo, Naija Archives, My Nigeria, Nigerian Constitutions Till date, More of Nigeria
No comments:
Post a Comment