Nigerian Senators from the southern and northern regions are expressing divided opinions on the push for a return to a regional system of government.
These discussions took place during a two-day retreat in Kano on amendments to the 1999 Constitution, organized by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).
While southern senators view the idea favorably, arguing that it could boost the economy, tackle insecurity, and enhance infrastructure, their northern counterparts oppose it.
Northern senators, like Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central, criticized the idea, stating that the regional system failed to bring development to their areas during Nigeria’s First Republic. They also emphasized the need for reforms in the federal structure and fiscal federalism instead.
Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele assured the public that regionalism is not part of the ongoing constitutional review. He stressed that any major shift, such as a return to regionalism, would require broader political consensus and the support of the Nigerian people, which goes beyond a simple legislative process.
Southern Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, of Oyo North Senatorial District, however, defended regional governance, noting the success regions had in harnessing their resources during the First Republic.
He argued that reducing the central government’s power could help curb corruption.
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