Senators from northern and southern Nigeria have expressed differing opinions on the call for a return to regional governance.
While southern senators welcome the idea, citing potential economic growth, reduced insecurity, and faster infrastructure development, northern lawmakers strongly oppose it.
At a two-day retreat on constitutional amendments in Kano, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that the return to regionalism is not part of the ongoing constitution review process.
Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central stated that his people reject regionalism due to the lack of development experienced in the First Republic. He emphasized that reforming the current federal structure and promoting fiscal federalism are the way forward.
Senator Sani Musa from Niger East warned that the establishment of zonal development commissions should not be misconstrued as a step toward regional governance. He urged advocates to propose bills and test their popularity.
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume argued that true federalism is outdated and advocated for stronger institutions to tackle governance and corruption issues.
However, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari from Oyo North disagreed, saying regionalism allowed areas to harness their resources better during the First Republic, leading to balanced development across the country.
Bamidele stressed that any move toward regionalism would require more than a constitutional amendment, calling for a broader political consensus and public support before such a shift could occur.
