Draft Bill Submission
President Bola Tinubu will receive a draft bill on Friday proposing a return to a regional system of government for Nigeria. Authored by Akin Fapohunda, a prominent member of the Yoruba socio-cultural association Afenifere, the bill seeks to introduce a new governance model for Nigeria. This legislation aims to replace the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with updated governance laws, cited as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.”
House of Representatives’ Reaction
Despite its significance, the House of Representatives has not listed the bill for deliberation in the ongoing constitutional review. Last week, Akin Rotimi, the House’s spokesman, and the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, disowned the bill. However, Fapohunda remains optimistic, stating that the bill will be transmitted to the President on Friday.
Proposed Regional Divisions
The bill proposes dividing Nigeria into eight geo-political regions with approximate interim boundaries. For instance, the Southern Region would include states like Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Cross River, with optional inclusions of various ethnic groups. The South Eastern Region would comprise Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. Similarly, the Western Region would encompass Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, and Ekiti States, incorporating Yoruba-speaking people from Kogi and parts of Kwara State.
Governance Structure
The coalition envisions a two-tier government consisting of federal and regional administrations. Regions would manage their affairs independently, including creating sub-entities based on their constitutions. The bill also suggests transforming the current states into provinces governed by Provincial Councils with integrated executive and legislative functions.
Constitutional Innovations
The proposed new constitution includes novelties such as the freedom for regions to create, merge, or reconfigure their sub-political units without external interference. It also aims to reduce the cost of public and civil service administration to less than 20-30% of generated revenue. The bill proposes a unicameral federal legislature, decentralizing federal power in favor of no more than ten regions, unlike the current 36 states.
Call for Parliamentary System
The coalition advocates a return to a parliamentary system of government with statutory rotation of headship among the regions. The Federal Government would consist of no more than nine ministries and ministers, streamlining the administration to focus resources on true development
In conclusion, this significant move towards a regional government model seeks to address Nigeria’s governance challenges, promoting efficiency and regional autonomy.
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