Senators Split Over Proposal To Return Nigeria To Regional Governance

Nigerian Senators are currently divided over the suggestion to return to a regional system of governance. Lawmakers from the Southern and Northern regions have conflicting views on the proposal.

These discussions took place 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.

Southern Senators believe that regional governance could boost the economy, improve security, and speed up infrastructure development. However, Northern Senators are strongly against it.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, clarified that the idea of regional governance is not part of the current constitution review process.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, opposed the proposal, stating that his region did not benefit from regional governance during the First Republic.

Ningi questioned those pushing for regionalism and emphasized that only the National Assembly cannot amend the constitution. He said, “We have seen how regional government was operated in the past. My part of the country didn’t enjoy the development of that so-called regional government that was based in Kaduna.”

Ningi stressed that his senatorial district would not support a return to regional governance. He insisted on focusing on reforms within the federal system.

Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, also warned against linking regionalism to the development commissions being established in the six geopolitical zones. He explained that these commissions are meant to boost economic development and have no connection to regional governance.

Musa urged those supporting regionalism to introduce bills in the National Assembly to test their ideas. “It is wrong to think that these development commissions are a step toward regionalism,” he stated.

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, also rejected the idea of true federalism. He argued that good governance and strong institutions are needed to address issues like corruption and insecurity.

Senator Muntari Dandutse, representing Katsina South, agreed that the focus should be on improving governance. He emphasized that every part of Nigeria has resources, and good management is key.

In contrast, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, representing Oyo North, supported regional governance. He argued that decentralizing power would reduce corruption and increase accountability.

Buhari said, “Recall that the regions were able to harness their resources in the First Republic. We should be able to do that again.”

Despite these differing views, Senate Leader Bamidele made it clear that regionalism cannot be reintroduced through simple constitutional amendments. He explained that such a change would require a broad political consensus and approval from the Nigerian people.
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