Kano, Nigeria – Nigerian Senators from both the southern and northern regions have expressed divergent opinions on the agitation for a return to the regional system of government. The debate took place during a two-day retreat on the 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 welcomed the idea, arguing it would boost the economy, tackle insecurity, and improve infrastructure, their northern counterparts strongly opposed it.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, however, assured Nigerians that the issue of regionalism is not part of the current constitutional review.
Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central opposed the idea, citing the lack of development his region experienced during the First Republic’s regional government. Ningi emphasized the importance of reforming the current federal structure rather than returning to regionalism, stating, “My constituency is not for regional government.”
Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, clarified that the establishment of zonal development commissions should not be mistaken for a push toward regionalism, urging proponents to test their ideas through legislative processes.
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume also rejected the notion of regionalism, advocating instead for strong institutions to promote good governance and reduce corruption, which he believes would address the root of the clamor for true federalism.
On the other hand, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari from Oyo North supported the idea of regionalism, recalling how regions in the First Republic thrived by harnessing their own resources, like the groundnut pyramids in the North and cocoa production in the South West.
Buhari also hinted that the South West region has a specific agenda for the ongoing constitution review but noted that it would be presented at the appropriate time.
Despite the varying perspectives, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reiterated that the issue of regionalism cannot be resolved through a constitutional amendment alone, as it would require widespread political consensus and the approval of the Nigerian people. He explained, “Amending even one section of the constitution is a complex process, let alone changing the entire system of governance.”