06/10/2024
Returning Of The Country To Regional Government!
Major ethnic groups in Nigeria have made a renewed call for the return of the country to a regional system of government, saying it is the only way to drive development.
The demand came after reported division among senators at a two-day retreat on amendments to the 1999 Constitution, organised by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review. Some of the lawmakers were reported to have spoken against regionalism.
The Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), later said there was no proposal before the review committee on the return to a regional system of government.
Regionalism is a system of government that allows each region to control the resources in its territory and pay royalties to the central government.
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The system was practised in Nigeria between the 1950s and 1966 before the introduction of a unitary government by Nigeria’s first military Head of State, late General Aguiyi Ironsi.
Ever since, there have been repeated calls for the return of regional government by some prominent Nigerians, especially those from the South-West.
Northern elders back regionalism
Speaking on the matter, the Northern Elders Forum said a return to a regional system of government would ensure prosperity for the country.
A spokesperson for the NEF, Abdulazeez Sulaiman, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, stated that regionalism could solve the nation’s pressing challenges, including economic disparities, adding that it had potential for enhanced local governance.
According to Sulaiman, regionalism would facilitate an even distribution of wealth, thereby reducing economic imbalances that had historically defined Nigeria.
He said, “By granting regions greater autonomy over their resources and economic policies, regions can better stimulate their local economies, leverage their unique strengths, and embark on development initiatives best suited to their contexts.
“Moreover, regional cooperation can alleviate ethnic tensions by creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration among diverse groups. When regions are empowered to address ethnic concerns uniquely, they can mitigate feelings of marginalisation, fostering a more inclusive national identity.”
However, the spokesman said a strong sense of nationalism was crucial for promoting unity in a nation as diverse as Nigeria, arguing that if regions prioritised their interests over national concerns, it might lead to disintegration, threatening the unity of the country.
Sulaiman said Nigerians needed to weigh their options on regionalism.
“Regionalism can indeed offer a pathway to more responsive governance and equitable resource management. However, this must be approached cautiously, with robust frameworks to mitigate potential conflicts and promote collaboration among regions.
“Building capacity in governance, fostering transparency, and ensuring that regional ambitions align with national objectives are essential steps to navigate the complexities of regionalism effectively,” he added.
Sulaiman argued that regionalism could bring about increased fragmentation and regional rivalry, stating that the country’s diverse ethnic landscape might lead to conflicts over resource allocation and political power.
“We are aware that the return to regionalism is not without its drawbacks. A notable concern is the potential for increased fragmentation and inter-regional rivalry. Nigeria’s rich tapestry of ethnic identities may lead to conflicts over resource allocation and political power.
“Such rivalries can exacerbate existing tensions, particularly in resource-rich regions, potentially leading to violence or instability.
“There is also the risk of regional governments becoming enclaves of power, with elite groups possibly exploiting local governance structures for their benefit.
“Without adequate checks and balances, regionalism can pave the way for corruption and nepotism, undermining the very accountability it seeks to enhance,” he added.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo welcomes system
A group from the eastern part of Nigeria also supported the call for a regional system of government, describing the current presidential system as unsuited for Nigeria’s diverse ethnicities.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, an indigenous group representing the eastern part of of the country, questioned why Nigeria shifted from regionalism to a presidential system, stating that a unitary system of government was not the best for Nigeria.
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Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the Assistant National Treasurer of the group, Ezechi Chukwu, expressed disappointment in those opposing the regional government proposal.
Chukwu maintained that the type of government was not the problem, but rather the inability of the political class to embody the spirit of governance structures.
He stated that a regional government would ensure fiscal federalism, devolution of powers, and resource control to improve governance.
Chukwu said resistance to regional governance often stemmed from those benefiting from centralised power and resources, arguing that for states and regions to thrive, a shift towards regional governance was essential.
Restructuring the only way – Afenifere
Echoing its constant call for the restructuring of the country, Yoruba socio-cultural and political group, Afenifere, said it would support any move that ensured the devolution of power and true federalism.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi, said the abandonment of the 1963 Constitution and introduction of a unitary system of government killed the principles of federalism.
Ajayi said, “Afenifere has been consistent in its advocacy for Nigeria to return to actual federalism in its true sense, as was practised before the nation’s independence and during the First Republic.
“At that time, each federating unit was autonomous to the extent that it evolved and executed policies suitable for its purpose.
“Whether it would come in the form of devolving more powers to the existing federating units (states) or in the form of regions that some are canvassing for, the important thing is to allow the units have greater control over their affairs.”
He maintained that regionalism was not antithetical to development and did not limit the powers of states within the given region.
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“Regionalism has a lot of benefits; it promotes the pooling of resources together, especially among people of similar culture and values,” he added.
Middle Belt wants distinct region
Declaring its support for a regional government, the people of the Middle Belt said they did not wish to be grouped with the ‘far North’.
The President of the Middle Belt Forum, Bitrus Pogu, said the group desired to have a distinct region in any restructuring plan.
Pogu, while speaking with Sunday PUNCH, said, “We are not against a regional government. However, we are insisting that the Middle Belt should not be grouped with the far North.
“Instead, we are advocating distinct regions within the Middle Belt, specifically, Middle Belt East and Middle Belt West, while the far North should have North East and North West regions. This is in line with the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference report.”
Clarifying misconceptions about regionalism, Pogu noted that a regional government did not imply lumping entire states into a single entity.
“A region comprises different components, and it shouldn’t be seen as a one-size-fits-all approach,” he added.
He also criticised the country’s over-reliance on oil, saying it had hindered national development.
“Many people have the narrow view that everything revolves around oil, but that’s not true. They think regions with more oil resources will benefit, while others will be left behind. But regionalism, if properly implemented, can help the country develop beyond oil dependence,” Pogu concluded.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also proposed a six-year single-term rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones of the South-West, South-East, South-South, North-Central, North-West and North-East.
Atiku, in a letter to Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, asked that Section 130 (1) of the 1999 Constitution be reviewed to include a provision that “The office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the Federation on a single term of six years flowing between the North and South on a single term of six years respectively.”
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