In a move that has reignited the discourse on Nigeria’s federal structure, the Vanguard Newspaper took to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle to announce a heated division among senators regarding the ongoing Constitution review, specifically over the proposal to return to a regional system of government.
The proposal, which seeks to reintroduce regional governance, has sharply divided the Senate, with some lawmakers passionately advocating for a return to the model, while others vehemently oppose it, citing the risks of disunity and instability.
Proponents argue that a regional system would empower states with greater autonomy, fostering more efficient governance and faster socio-economic development at the grassroots level. They believe that decentralizing power from the center will reduce the burden on the federal government, allowing regions to tailor their policies to local needs, thereby promoting innovation and competitiveness.
However, critics of the proposal caution that returning to regionalism could open old wounds and reignite ethnic and sectional tensions that Nigeria has long struggled to contain. These senators warn that the move may lead to political fragmentation and weaken the sense of national unity that has been painstakingly built over the years.
As the debate rages, it remains clear that the question of how to restructure Nigeria’s complex federation is far from settled. The Constitution review process is set to continue in the coming weeks, with stakeholders from across the country weighing in on what is becoming one of the most contentious issues in recent political discourse.
With the nation watching closely, the Senate’s ultimate decision will undoubtedly have lasting implications for Nigeria’s future governance framework. Will the country embrace a return to regionalism, or will the current federal structure endure? Only time will tell as the lawmakers continue to deliberate on this critical constitutional matter.
PIONEER NEWS 