The push for the return of Nigeria to a regional form of government has stirred a significant disagreement between Northern and Southern Senators. The discussion arose during a two-day retreat organized by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), in Kano. The retreat aimed at discussing potential amendments to Nigeria’s 1999 constitution.
While Southern Senators have voiced their support for regionalism, arguing that it could drive economic growth, address security challenges, and fast-track infrastructure development, their Northern counterparts have shown firm opposition. According to Northern lawmakers, the regional system of government, which was practiced during the defunct First Republic, did not benefit the people from their region.
One notable voice from the North, Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central Senatorial District, strongly criticized the idea. He stated that the system of regional government did not bring meaningful development to the North in the past, and as such, his people would not support a return to such a structure. In his words, “my people will never support the idea because they did not enjoy any form of development when the system of government was practiced in the defunct First Republic.”
Similarly, Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, urged Nigerians not to confuse the establishment of zonal development commissions with regionalism. He emphasized that these commissions were designed solely for the socio-economic development of their respective regions and were not intended to revive regional governance.
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume also weighed in, dismissing the concept of true federalism as outdated. He pointed out that many African countries have moved away from the idea, suggesting instead that Nigeria should focus on creating strong institutions to promote good governance, fight corruption, and enhance security.
On the opposing side, Southern Senators like Abdulfatai Buhari of Oyo North Senatorial District, expressed their support for regionalism, pointing to the prosperity that different regions once enjoyed. Senator Buhari stated, “In those years, the North was known for the pyramid of groundnuts, the South West was known for cocoa, we should be able to do that.”
Despite the heated debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that the topic of regionalism was not included in the ongoing review of the constitution. He assured Nigerians that the retreat’s focus was on addressing flaws and irregularities found in the current constitution, rather than reintroducing the regional form of government.
