In a move that has sparked widespread discussion, a draft bill proposing a return to a regional system of government in Nigeria is set to be presented to President Bola Tinubu today. This development, which could redefine the country’s political landscape, has been met with anticipation and speculation.
The proposed legislation, crafted by Akin Fapohunda, a prominent member of the Yoruba socio-cultural association, Afenifere, is titled, “A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with New Governance Model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. The bill seeks to introduce new laws referred to as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.”
Fapohunda, in a recent conversation, confirmed that the bill would be transmitted to President Tinubu today. He stated, “I’m submitting my letter (draft bill) today but I will wait for seven days before releasing it to the public.” This statement has further fueled the curiosity of Nigerians who are eager to understand the implications of this proposed change.
The bill, if passed, would divide the country into eight geo-political regions with approximate interim boundaries. The proposed regions include the southern region, made up of Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Cross Rivers States, among others. The South Eastern region would consist of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, while the Western region would comprise Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, and Ekiti States, incorporating the Yoruba-speaking people in Kogi and the Igbomina people in Kwara State.
Fapohunda further explained that the coalition envisages a two-tier government, federal and regions, with the latter having the liberty to manage their affairs, “Including the creation of sub-entities, based on the stipulations that are agreed upon and embedded in their respective constitutions.”
This development comes weeks after the old anthem was restored, signaling a possible shift towards the restoration of the country’s old regional system of government. However, it’s important to note that the House of Representatives has yet to schedule the bill for deliberation.
In conclusion, as Nigeria stands on the precipice of a potential shift in its governance structure, the eyes of the nation, and indeed the world, are firmly fixed on President Tinubu and the fate of this transformative bill. As we await further details on this development, one thing is clear: the political landscape of Nigeria may be on the brink of significant change.
