Nigerian Senators’ Views on Regional Government
Nigerian Senators, both from the Southern and Northern parts of the country, have different opinions about bringing back the regional system of government.
These opinions were given during a two-day meeting about changing the 1999 Constitution, organized by the Senate Committee and the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Kano.
Northern Senators do not support the idea of regional government. They think it’s a bad idea. On the other hand, Southern Senators think it’s a good idea. They believe it can make the economy better, reduce crime, and improve infrastructure.
However, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele told Nigerians that the topic of regionalism is not being considered in the current constitution changes.
Senator Abdul Ningi, from Bauchi Central, said his people don’t support going back to the old regional system because it didn’t help them in the past.
Ningi explained, “I’ve heard a lot about regional government, but the 1999 Constitution is our main law now. It has rules for how it can be changed.
“We need to know if someone really represents a group of people before making changes. When did they get the authority to speak for their people?”
“The people who are allowed to change the Constitution are the National Assembly members.”
Senator Sani Musa advised Nigerians not to confuse regionalism with the regional development commissions being set up. These commissions are only for improving social and economic conditions in different areas.
Musa said, “It’s wrong to think development commissions are for regionalism. They are not. Those who want regionalism should propose new laws in the National Assembly and see how popular their idea is.”
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume said that real federalism is outdated because many African countries no longer use it. He believes that creating strong institutions for good governance, fighting corruption, and maintaining security is more important.
“If we have justice, equity, and fairness in all parts of the country, people won’t demand true federalism,” Ndume added.
Senator Muntari Dandutse from Katsina South also disagreed with those who want a regional government. He said the meeting’s goal was to fix problems in the Constitution.
Dandutse said, “We should not think narrowly. Every part of Nigeria is blessed. The important thing is good governance and fair access to resources.”
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari from Oyo North disagreed with people who criticize the regional government system. He said that in the past, regions could manage their resources well without being dominated.
Buhari explained, “During the First Republic, regions managed their resources like groundnuts in the North and cocoa in the South West. Reducing the power of the central government can cut corruption.”
When asked about the South West’s agenda for the constitution review, Buhari said it would be revealed at the right time by the South West Forum Chairman.
Senate Leader Bamidele emphasized that changing to a regional government can’t be done through a simple constitutional amendment. It requires a political agreement from the Nigerian people.
Bamidele added, “You can’t discard the entire Constitution in parliament. Changing even one section is a long process that needs support from the National Assembly and the people.”