Senate Divided As Nigeria Considers A Shift Back To Regional Administration

Senate Divided As Nigeria Considers A Shift Back To Regional Administration....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Nigerian Senators are divided on the proposal to return to a regional system of government, with lawmakers from the Southern and Northern regions expressing opposing views. This debate emerged during a two-day retreat on constitutional amendments organized by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Kano……CONTINUE READING 

Southern Senators advocate for a return to regional governance, believing it could improve the economy, address insecurity, and enhance infrastructure development. In contrast, Northern Senators oppose the idea. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized that regionalism is not part of the current constitutional review process.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, strongly rejected the idea of regionalism, recalling his region’s lack of development under the First Republic when regional governance was in place. He questioned the mandate of those advocating for regionalism, asserting that only the National Assembly has the constitutional authority to review governance structures. Ningi reiterated his support for reforming federalism rather than reintroducing regionalism, insisting that his senatorial district would not back such a move.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, also dismissed any link between the creation of zonal development commissions and a return to regionalism, clarifying that the commissions aim to promote regional economic development. He encouraged regionalism proponents to submit bills to the National Assembly to test the popularity of their proposals.

Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume echoed this sentiment, advocating for stronger institutions instead of regionalism. He argued that effective governance, focused on justice and equity, would reduce the demand for regionalism. Senator Muntari Dandutse, representing Katsina South, supported this view, urging Nigerians to concentrate on good governance and resource management across the country.

In contrast, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, representing Oyo North, endorsed regional governance, citing the First Republic’s success in allowing regions to manage their resources effectively. He argued that decentralization would reduce corruption and increase accountability. Buhari hinted at specific proposals from the South West for the ongoing constitutional review but refrained from sharing details.

Despite these differences, Senate Leader Bamidele highlighted that regionalism cannot be reintroduced through the current constitutional amendment process. He stressed that such a fundamental change would require broad political consensus and approval from the Nigerian people. Bamidele explained the complexity of amending the constitution, noting that even minor changes involve extensive legislative procedures, making a complete overhaul unrealistic without significant political support.