Renewed Calls for Regionalism Divide Nigerian Senators Amid Constitution Review

By DAYO ADESULU

KANO, NIGERIA – As the National Assembly embarks on another review of the 1999 Constitution, a sharp divide has emerged among Senators regarding the potential reintroduction of a regional system of government in Nigeria. Advocates argue that regionalism could effectively address the challenges posed by the country’s diverse population, while opponents express significant reservations.

#### The Debate on Regionalism

At a two-day retreat in Kano, held by the Senate Adhoc Committee on Constitution Review, Senators articulated their positions on regionalism. Some Senators supported the idea as a solution to Nigeria’s myriad challenges, while others firmly opposed it. This discussion comes at a critical time as Nigeria seeks to address its governance issues.

#### Diverging Perspectives Among Senators

Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) and Senators Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) and Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South) voiced strong opposition to regionalism. They emphasized the importance of political consensus and cautioned against hasty legislative actions that could lead to disillusionment.

**Senator Bamidele** stated, “Going back to a regional form of governance is something that will go beyond a bill being sponsored. It requires a political consensus and cannot simply be decided in a public hearing.” He underscored the complexities involved in amending the constitution, noting that any significant change would need to reflect the will of the Nigerian people.

#### Advocating for Reform Over Regionalism

Senator Ningi echoed Bamidele’s concerns, arguing that the current constitution remains the foundation of Nigerian governance and that any change should be approached cautiously. He criticized those advocating for regionalism without clear mandates and emphasized the need for comprehensive federal reforms instead.

**Senator Ningi** remarked, “What we need is the reform of the Federal government, fiscal federalism, and serious reforms. The constitution has sustained us for over 25 years, indicating its value.”

#### Support for Regionalism

In contrast, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) supported the return to regionalism, citing its historical effectiveness in resource management during the First Republic. He argued that a regional approach could reduce corruption by decentralizing governance and making local leaders more accountable.

**Senator Buhari** stated, “In the First Republic, regions were able to harness their resources effectively. By making the center less attractive, we can cut off corruption and encourage local accountability.”

#### Historical Context of Regional Governance

Nigeria practiced regional governance from 1954 to 1966, which was marked by significant regional autonomy. However, the model collapsed due to political instability and military intervention, leading to the infamous Biafra War (1967-1970) that resulted in millions of deaths. The historical implications of regionalism continue to influence current discussions.

The ongoing debate among Nigerian Senators regarding the return to regionalism reflects the complexities of the nation’s governance challenges. As the National Assembly reviews the constitution, the divergent views highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the historical context and the aspirations of the Nigerian people. Whether through regionalism or federal reforms, the path to a more unified and prosperous Nigeria remains a crucial topic for national discourse