Breaking News! Northern Senators Kick Against Regional Government, Say It Never Benefits the North

A sharp division has emerged between Northern and Southern senators over the issue of regionalism during a two-day retreat on the 1999 constitution amendments. Organized by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the retreat was held in Kano to discuss key reforms to the nation’s constitution.

While Southern senators embraced the idea of reverting to a regional system of government, citing potential improvements in economic development, infrastructure, and security, their Northern counterparts strongly opposed the move.

Speaking to journalists, a leading voice from the North, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), made it clear that his region would not support the return to regionalism. According to him, the Northern region did not benefit from the regional system during Nigeria’s First Republic, thus any attempt to reintroduce it would be unwise.

Similarly, Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, warned against confusing the concept of regionalism with the establishment of Zonal Development Commissions, which are designed solely for socioeconomic development. He emphasized that regionalism as practiced in the past does not align with current governance structures and could lead to further division.

Senator Ali Ndume, former Senate Leader, added that the concept of true federalism is outdated and has been discarded by many African nations. He advocated instead for the strengthening of institutions to combat corruption and ensure effective governance.

In contrast, Southern senators believe that regionalism could revive Nigeria's economy and strengthen its governance. Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) highlighted the economic success of regionalism in the past, referencing the era when the North was known for its groundnut pyramids, the South West for cocoa, and other regions for their agricultural and industrial outputs.

Buhari argued that reintroducing regional government could allow each zone to harness its resources more effectively, potentially spurring economic growth and improving infrastructure.

Despite the heated debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reassured Nigerians that the issue of regionalism is not included in the ongoing constitutional review. He urged caution and noted that constitutional amendments should focus on correcting current defects rather than reviving outdated governance models.

It remains to be seen whether these divergent views will affect the trajectory of Nigeria’s constitutional reforms. Both Northern and Southern senators have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the review process addresses the needs of all Nigerians.

This debate underscores the deep-seated regional differences that continue to shape Nigeria's political landscape, raising questions about the future direction of the country’s governance structure.