Senator Ningi, speaking against the proposal, dismissed regional government as an outdated system that did not benefit his constituency.
Kano, Nigeria — The Senate is sharply divided over renewed calls for a return to a regional system of government as the National Assembly begins a new review process of the 1999 Constitution.
During a two-day retreat organized by the Senate Adhoc Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Kano, several Senators expressed varying views on regionalism. While some supported the proposal as a solution to the country’s multifaceted challenges, others opposed it strongly.
Leading the opposition to the return of regionalism, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), alongside Senators Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) and Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South), cautioned that the issue should remain within the realm of debate rather than legislative action. Bamidele argued that returning to a regional system of government would require a broader political consensus that goes beyond legislative processes.
“There are decisions that cannot be taken by the parliament alone. The question of whether to go back to regionalism can only remain a debate for now,” Bamidele stated. “This issue requires a political consensus and the binding agreement of the Nigerian people themselves.”
He emphasized that attempting to amend a single provision in the constitution requires an extensive process that involves all chambers of the National Assembly and public hearings at zonal levels. “If we have to go through all of that to change one provision, how much more when we are talking about altering the entire governance structure?”
Senator Ningi, speaking against the proposal, dismissed regional government as an outdated system that did not benefit his constituency. He stated, “My senatorial district will not support a return to the regional government that neglected our development in the past. What we need is reform of the federal system, not a return to regionalism.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Senator Dandutse argued that the focus should be on promoting good governance and responsible leadership rather than reverting to a system that could deepen divisions. “Every region in this country is blessed. We need to focus on collaboration and responsible leadership instead of narrow, divisive thinking,” he said.
However, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) expressed full support for the return to regionalism. He highlighted that in the First Republic, regions were able to harness their resources effectively, which promoted economic growth and reduced corruption. “There was no dominance of any particular resource. The North was known for its groundnut pyramids, and the South-West for cocoa. Returning to regionalism would make the center less attractive and cut off corruption,” Buhari argued.
The debate on regionalism is expected to continue as the Senate Adhoc Committee on Constitution Review considers various perspectives on restructuring the country’s governance system.
The issue, however, remains contentious, with a need for broader political engagement and consensus among Nigeria’s diverse stakeholders before any concrete action can be taken.
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