Atlantic Post

In a significant move that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, President Bola Tinubu is set to receive a draft bill on Friday advocating for a return to a regional system of government. This proposed legislation, spearheaded by Akin Fapohunda, a prominent member of the Yoruba socio-cultural association Afenifere, seeks to replace the current structure established by Decree 24 of 1999. The new governance model aims to decentralize power, proposing a return to regionalism reminiscent of Nigeria’s pre-1966 political arrangement. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Substitute the Annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with a New Governance Model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” has already sparked widespread debate and controversy.

Background of the Proposed Bill

The draft bill is part of a broader initiative by the Coalition of Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities (CIEN) to redefine Nigeria’s political structure. Fapohunda and CIEN envision dividing Nigeria into eight geopolitical regions, each with considerable autonomy. This move, they argue, will promote better governance, reduce administrative costs, and reflect Nigeria’s diverse ethnic composition more accurately.

The proposed regions include:

• Southern Region: Comprising Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and other contiguous ethnic groups.
• South Eastern Region: Encompassing Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.
• Western Region: Including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and parts of Kogi and Kwara states.
• Mid-Western Region: Made up of Edo and Delta states, potentially incorporating the Anioma people.
• Eastern Middle Belt Region: Covering Northern Cross River, Southern Kaduna, and several other states.
• Western Middle Belt Region: Including Southern Kebbi, parts of Kwara, and Niger states.
• North Eastern Region: Comprising parts of Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, and Yobe states.
• North Western Region: Including Kaduna, parts of Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

Key Provisions of the Draft Bill

The proposed governance model introduces a two-tier system: federal and regional governments. Regions would manage their affairs, including creating sub-entities based on local stipulations embedded in their constitutions. The model emphasizes economic viability and self-sustainability, aiming to reduce the cost of public administration to less than 30% of generated revenue.

Some critical stipulations include:

• Introduction of Regional Governments: Each region would have executive and legislative bodies headed by a Premier.
• Conversion of States to Provinces: Current states would become provinces governed by Provincial Councils, integrating executive and legislative functions.
• Transformation of Local Government Areas: These would become divisions with divisional managers focusing on socio-economic development.
• Decentralization of Federal Power: The federal government would be limited to not more than nine ministries, echoing the administrative structure of the United States.

Controversies and Opposition

Despite its ambitious vision, the draft bill has faced significant opposition. Notably, the House of Representatives disowned the bill, with its spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, and the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business asserting that it was not listed for deliberation in the ongoing constitutional review. Critics argue that the bill’s approach to constitutional change bypasses due legislative process and lacks broad-based support.

The Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination (NINAS) has been particularly vocal in its criticism. NINAS, which has been pushing for a reconfiguration of Nigeria’s governance structure through its own Transitioning Template for Union Reconstruction, described the bill as a “back-door” attempt to impose a new constitution without the consensus of the constituent peoples of Nigeria. They argue that constitution-making is beyond the mandate of the National Assembly and requires the constituent powers vested in the peoples of Nigeria.

NINAS’s Position

NINAS’s response to the draft bill has been scathing. They issued a detailed press statement, branding the bill as a “fraudulent” attempt to replace the 1999 Constitution. NINAS contends that any constitutional change must be negotiated and agreed upon by the Nigerian people themselves, not imposed by legislative fiat.

Key points from NINAS’s rebuttal include:

• Constitutional Legitimacy: NINAS maintains that the 1999 Constitution is fundamentally flawed and lacks legitimacy because it was not a product of consensus among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
• Limitations of Legislative Power: They argue that the National Assembly’s powers are confined to law-making and do not extend to constitution-making, which requires the constituent powers of the people.
• Rejection of the Draft Bill: NINAS unequivocally rejects the proposed bill and any attempt by the National Assembly to unilaterally manufacture a new constitution.

The Path Forward

The debate over Nigeria’s governance structure is far from settled. The proposed return to regionalism highlights deep-seated frustrations with the current federal system, which many argue is overly centralized and inefficient. Proponents of the bill believe that regional autonomy will lead to more effective governance, tailored to the unique needs of each region.

However, the path to constitutional change is fraught with challenges. Building consensus among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups, ensuring that any new governance model reflects the will of the people, and navigating the legislative and political hurdles will be critical to the success of any proposed changes.

Conclusion

The draft bill proposing a return to regional government in Nigeria has ignited a critical and contentious debate about the future of the country’s governance. While the bill’s proponents argue that regionalism will promote better governance and economic development, its detractors, led by NINAS, warn against bypassing due process and imposing a new constitution without broad-based consensus.

As President Bola Tinubu prepares to receive the draft bill, the coming weeks and months will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of Nigeria’s political landscape. The debate underscores the need for a thoughtful and inclusive approach to constitutional reform, one that respects the diverse voices and aspirations of Nigeria’s constituent peoples.