- In June 2024, Nigerian law makers raised a draft bill, proposing regional government
- Senators Ningi, Ndume, others oppose regional government, citing marginalization
- Conversely, Southern Senators throw their weight behind regionalism, saying it will accelerate development in the country
Recently, a disagreement has emerged between southern and northern senators on the push for Nigeria to revert to a regional governance model.
This unfolded during a two-day retreat focused on amending the 1999 constitution, organised by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in partnership with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Kano.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the Northern senators expressed strong opposition to the idea, while their southern counterparts welcomed it as a means to boost the economy, enhance security and accelerate infrastructure development.
It was learnt that Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reassured the public that the topic of regionalism is not part of the current constitutional review.
Senators Ningi, Musa, Ndume, others oppose regionalism
Abdul Ningi, a senior Senator from Bauchi Central, voiced firm opposition to regional governance, citing a lack of development experienced under the system during the First Republic.
According to Ningi “I have heard much discussion about regional government and federalism. However, the current 1999 Constitution remains the foundation, and it outlines the amendment process.”
Ningi questioned the legitimacy of those advocating for regional governance, asking when they received the mandate to represent their ethnic groups in such matters.
“Only members of the National Assembly have the authority to look at and amend the Constitution,” he asserted, emphasising that his constituency does not support the idea. He called for reforms to the existing federal government structure instead.
Senator Sani Musa, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, warned against confusing the establishment of Zonal Development Commissions with regionalism. He explained that these commissions were intended solely for social and economic development within their regions, urging advocates for regionalism to present their proposals through proper legislative channels.
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume dismissed the notion of true federalism as outdated, suggesting that the focus should be on creating strong institutions to promote good governance and combat corruption and insecurity.
“When effective governance is established, there will be no demand for true federalism, as justice, equity, and fairness will prevail across regions,” he stated.
Senator Muntari Dandutse, representing Katsina South, also opposed regional governance, asserting that the ongoing retreat aims to rectify long-standing issues within the nation’s constitution. He emphasised the need for good governance and responsible resource management, noting that Nigeria is rich in potential.
Senator Buhari
Conversely, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari of Oyo North defended the regional system, recalling its success in harnessing resources during the First Republic. He argued that a less centralized government could reduce corruption by encouraging local accountability.
When asked if the South West region has a specific agenda for the constitutional review, Buhari indicated that details would be shared at the appropriate time, as the region’s representatives had agreed on a unified approach.
Senate Leader Bamidele reiterated that changing the structure of governance cannot be accomplished through constitutional amendments alone. He noted that such a shift would require broad political consensus and public support, stating, “Amending even a single provision of the constitution is a complex process that necessitates the involvement of all legislative chambers.”
The debate over regional governance continues to polarize Senators, with significant implications for Nigeria’s constitutional future.
Genesis of the disagreement
Recall that President Bola Tinubu received a draft bill on Friday, June 14, 2024, proposing a return to Nigeria’s regional system of government.
“A proposed legislation authored by Akin Fapohunda, a prominent figure in the Yoruba socio-cultural association Afenifere, seeks to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with a new governance model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024,’ the bill aims to introduce updated laws and reforms.”
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the House of Representatives disowned a draft bill. Spokesman Akin Rotimi and Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business clarified that the bill had not been scheduled for deliberation in the current efforts to review the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, Mr. Fapohunda informed newsmen that the proposed bill would be sent to the President that Friday.
He informed newsmen that he is submitting the draft bill that day but plans to withhold its public release for seven days.
Meanwhile Fapohunda, representing the Coalition of Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities, informed journalists then that the organization proposes dividing the country into eight geopolitical regions, each with provisional boundaries.
“We propose the establishment of a new regional government framework featuring executive and legislative bodies, led by a Premier.”
“In the new framework, current States (such as the six in the Western region) will be transformed into provinces. These provinces will be governed by Provincial Councils that combine executive and legislative functions, led by a Chairman and supported by Administrative Officers with specialized expertise. Regions will have the freedom to establish provinces, ensuring they are viable and self-sustaining.”
“The current Local Government Areas will be restructured into divisions, each overseen by divisional managers and specialist administrative officers, functioning as centers for socio-economic development. Additionally, the new provinces will have the flexibility to establish divisions, ensuring they are viable and self-sustaining.
The coalition also put forth a new constitution that includes provisions for regional autonomy, allowing regions the freedom to create, merge, or reconfigure their administrative units. They may adopt provinces, divisions, or districts according to their needs without interference from any other authority.
The restructuring of regions and sub-regional entities aims to decrease the cost of public and civil service administration to below 20-30% of revenue generated.
“In drafting their Constitutions, the peoples of the respective regional territories will take a cue and also dismantle any arrangement or configuration that will favour the politicians and the political class; with a focus on freeing resources for true development.
“A uni-camera federal legislature comprising members that are elected at the discretion of the regions for which they would be representatives at Abuja.
“Decentralization of federal power in favour of not more than 10 regions on which there is a general national consensus, rather than the presently unwieldy number of 36 States. These old States are inconsequential indeed in being a viable unit of a truly federal system of government.”
In all, the coalition proposes that the Federal Government “Shall comprise not more than nine Ministries and Ministers,” adding that “The very big United States have just 15 Cabinet Ministers, while Nigeria is not even up to just a State of Texas or New York.”
The group is also advocating for a return to a parliamentary system of government, which includes a built-in statutory rotation of leadership among the regions.