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Constitution amendment: Regional govt tops 56 memoranda to N’Assembly
Nigerians are calling for a return to the regional system of government, also known as the parliamentary system.
This demand emerged during the National Assembly’s consideration of memoranda submitted by the public as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Among the 56 memoranda received, prominent issues include regional government, unicameral legislature, local government autonomy, state police, gender equality bills, and the inclusion of traditional rulers in the constitution.
In total, 474 clauses have been submitted for consideration, according to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment.
A majority of the proponents advocating regional government come from southern Nigeria.
This call gained momentum following the release of a draft document by Dr. Akin Fapohunda titled, “A Bill for an Act to Substitute the Annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with a New Governance Model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The proposed bill suggests a new governance model, which would be codified as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.”
One of the memoranda, submitted by the Kwara South Consultative Forum, supports the reintroduction of regional government.
It reads, “We demand the reintroduction of the regional constitution as it was before 1988 and propose the reversal of the bicameral legislature to a regional Assembly.”
Similarly, in its submission, the All Middle Belt Youth Forum advocated a return to the parliamentary system and recommended discarding the current geopolitical zones.
It proposed the adoption of the 2014 National CONFAB report, which suggests the creation of new zones, including North-West, North-East, Middle Belt East, Middle Belt West, South-West, Mid-West, South-East, and South-South.
The EGI Professors and Academic Doctors Forum also backed the call to revert to a parliamentary system.
In their memorandum, they stated: “We fully support power devolution from the centre to the community level. The current federal structure is too centralised, and resources are often misallocated.”
The Okun Development Association echoed these sentiments, recommending the restructuring of the central government and the current six geopolitical zones into federating units, operating as regions with their own constitutions.
The association canvassed that:“Each region should control its economy and government, contributing to the running of the federation.”
Likewise, the Ijaw National Congress and Bayelsa State Elders Council supported the call for regionalism. Their submission advocates the establishment of 10 regions, including the Northwestern, Upper Northern, North Central, North East, Middle Belt, Western, Mid-Western, Niger Delta, Eastern, and Eastern Delta Regions.
Their proposed amendments suggest that each region should have the authority to create lower tiers of government and control its resources, with regions paying taxes to the federal government.
In contrast, the Southern Kaduna People’s Union called for Nigeria to remain a federation but recommended the creation of eight geopolitical zones, including Middle Belt West and East.
During a recent constitution amendment retreat organised by the committee in Kano State, lawmakers expressed varying opinions on the push for regional government, highlighting the ongoing debate about the future of Nigeria’s governance structure.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, emphasised that such a major shift in governance would require extensive consultation and political consensus.
He explained, “There are some decisions that the executive cannot simply draft and send as a bill to the National Assembly. Moving towards a regional form of government is not something that can be accomplished by a single bill, whether sponsored by a parliament member or the executive.
“This isn’t a matter to be decided through a public hearing alone.”
He added, “Whether or not to return to regional governance is a topic for debate, but it’s not something that can be resolved through legislative action without a broader consensus.”
Similarly, former Deputy Senate Leader and Bauchi Central lawmaker, Senator Abdul Ningi, expressed strong opposition to a return to regional government.
He remarked, “My senatorial district will be satisfied independently within Nigeria if that’s what it takes. I’ve heard many advocate for regional government or federalism, but the current constitution remains the supreme law of the land. Only members of the National Assembly are mandated to amend it.”
Ningi questioned the legitimacy of individuals or groups who claim to represent ethnic interests without a clear mandate, saying, “At what point were they authorised to represent these ethnic groups?
“The National Assembly is the only body given the mandate to review and amend the constitution.”
Ningi also criticised the regional government structure of the past, particularly how it functioned in northern Nigeria.
“My constituency did not benefit from the regional government system of the First Republic, which was based in Kaduna. We are not going back there.
“As far as regional government is concerned, my constituency, my people aren’t for it.
“For us, it’s the Nigerian federation or nothing. What we need is reform, including fiscal federalism, but not a return to regionalism.”
Senator Muntari Dandutse, representing Katsina South, echoed the same sentiments, stating that Nigeria’s focus should be on good governance, not regionalism.
He added, “Every region in this country is blessed with natural resources, but the problem has always been management.
“What we need is responsible leadership and fair access to resources. Nigeria has immense potential, but without serious and determined governance, we won’t move forward.”
On the other hand, Senator Fatai Buhari, representing Oyo North, supported the idea of regional government. He argued that regionalism allowed for better resource management and accountability in the past.
“During the First Republic, each region was able to harness its resources effectively. The North had groundnuts, and the Southwest had cocoa. If we make the central government less attractive, we can reduce corruption because people will focus on governance within their regions,” Buhari said.
He emphasised that regionalism would create a system where “people watch their team,” ensuring greater accountability at the local level.
OSOGBO — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the outcome of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that it is not convinced that Governor Ademola Adeleke secured the highest number of valid votes.
INEC on Sunday declared Adeleke the winner after the Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwale, announced the final results at the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo.
Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dr Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.
However, the APC said it would not accept the declaration without conducting a comprehensive review of the electoral process.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on Monday, the Director-General of the APC campaign for the Osun governorship election, Hon. Oluwole Oke, said the party had commenced an audit of the results and electoral materials from the poll.
Oke said the party had directed its agents across the state to submit relevant result sheets for scrutiny as it investigates alleged infractions.
“We need to do the needful which is to evaluate the process, review the process and then form an opinion. We’ve embarked on an audit process; we’ve asked all our party agents to submit copies of Form EC8A, B, C to our secretariat for review. We need to inspect all the materials because we do not agree with the declaration of INEC, and that’s our position for now,” he said.
The APC campaign chief also dismissed suggestions that the party was under pressure to immediately accept the outcome following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s congratulatory message to Adeleke.
Tinubu had congratulated Adeleke after the declaration, describing the outcome as a reflection of the will of the people.
Reacting to the President’s position, Oke said Tinubu spoke in his capacity as President and a democrat following INEC’s declaration.
“Mr. President spoke as the Father of the nation and a democrat following the declaration by INEC,” he said.
Oke, however, maintained that the APC would rely on its own assessment of the election after completing its review.
“We’re on ground and politics is local and, like I’ve told you, what we’re doing is to conduct a thorough review of the entire process and form an opinion,” he said.
He added that the party would not be rushed into congratulating Adeleke, insisting that its preliminary position was that the governor did not secure the highest number of valid votes.
“We won’t be under any subtle pressure to easily reach out to congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke because we believe he didn’t score the highest valid votes,” Oke said.
The APC is expected to determine its next course of action after completing its audit and reviewing the electoral materials and results submitted by its agents.
ABAKALIKI — The 2027 governorship race in Ebonyi State is gathering momentum, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, unveiling a package of reforms aimed at improving the welfare of workers, teachers and retirees.
Odii made the commitments during a meeting with representatives of Ebonyi civil servants and members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at his Lagos residence, where he outlined his plans for a comprehensive reform of the state’s public service.
A major component of his agenda is a workers’ housing scheme designed to provide 1,000 housing units within his first year in office and up to 5,000 units over four years if elected governor.
Odii said the housing programme would be structured to minimise dependence on direct government funding, with workers’ contributions and existing pension assets forming part of the financing framework.
He said the initiative would address the housing difficulties faced by workers and retirees, particularly retirees who often struggle to sustain rented accommodation after leaving government service.
The PDP candidate also proposed a paperless digital loan platform that would allow workers to access loans against their contributory pension savings without the bureaucratic delays associated with the existing system.
On retirement benefits, Odii pledged that workers would have access to their entitlements immediately upon retirement, arguing that retirees should not endure prolonged delays in receiving benefits accrued during their years of service.
He further promised to reform the promotion process through computer-based promotion examinations capable of producing results instantly.
According to him, the digital system would reduce delays, curb opportunities for manipulation and promote greater transparency and fairness in the career progression of civil servants.
Odii said the proposed reforms were aimed at creating a public service where workers would have improved access to housing, credit facilities and timely retirement benefits, while ensuring a more transparent promotion system.
He presented the proposals as part of his broader agenda to improve workers’ welfare and reposition the Ebonyi State civil service for greater efficiency if elected governor in 2027.
The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has confirmed the death of one of its operations staff in an electrical accident.
The Head of Communications, MEDL, Mr Emeka Ezeh, who confirmed the incident in Enugu on Monday, said that the incident occured on Aug. 13 at Eke in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Ezeh said that the incident, which occurred at about 1p.m., involved Mr. Samson Okechi, the Team Lead, Abor, attached to the company’s 9th Mile District.
He said, “Okechi was carrying out maintenance work on a 50kVA/11kV pole-mounted distribution substation at Eke when he sustained an electric shock.
“Okechi was immediately evacuated to Our Saviour Hospital, Ngwo, for medical attention but was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty. His remains were subsequently deposited at a mortuary.”
He said that the incident was formally reported at the Ngwo Police Station for documentation and other necessary statutory actions.
Ezeh also debunked claims circulating on some social media platforms that Okechi was murdered or that the incident was the result of sabotage.
“I wonder why some people take pleasure in conjuring unfounded narratives and circulating them, thereby creating unnecessary tension and bad blood. This is so unfair,” he said.
He urged members of the public to disregard the claims, describing them as baseless.
According to him, Okechi had requested a Station Guarantee (SG) for the Okwe 11kV Feeder, which was granted at about 11:06 a.m. at the 9th Mile Injection Substation. The feeder was subsequently opened and tagged.
“This is a very unfortunate development and a big shock to all of us, his colleagues. Our hearts go out to his immediate family as they grieve,” Ezeh said.
The MEDL spokesman disclosed that MainPower management had commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the immediate, underlying and root causes of the accident.
He said, “We are committed to ensuring that the investigation is thorough and evidence-based.
“The findings will be used to identify any gaps, determine appropriate corrective measures, and strengthen safety procedures and operational controls where necessary.”
Ezeh MEDL assured its customers and stakeholders that safety remained a paramount priority in its operations, adding that appropriate measures would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, takes over from Blessing Agbebaku, who resigned as Speaker on Monday amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
The emergence of Idiaye was said to have been influenced by the gentleman’s zoning arrangement in the Assembly, which provides that when the governor is from the Edo Central Senatorial District, the Speaker should come from Edo North.
Idiaye, being the oldest member from the Edo North Senatorial District, was subsequently elected Speaker.
Without the zoning arrangement, the Deputy Speaker would have automatically succeeded Agbebaku, according to the new Speaker.
Members of the Assembly were at the Government House to inform Governor Monday Okpebholo of the change in leadership.
Agbebaku was said to have resigned early on Monday following alleged moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
Reports gathered that 17 of the 24 lawmakers had signed a notice of impeachment on Sunday night, a development that may have prompted his resignation.
Agbebaku’s resignation was confirmed by Ebojele, who said details of the development would be made public later.
She said, “I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later.”
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from his position.
Agbebaku stepped down on Monday amid moves by some lawmakers to impeach him.
His resignation was confirmed on Facebook by his media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, who said further details on the circumstances surrounding his exit would be made public later.
“EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RT HON CHIEF BLESSING AGBEBAKU RESIGNS,” she wrote.
The development has thrown the Edo State House of Assembly into a fresh leadership crisis, with lawmakers expected to determine a new Speaker.
Details shortly…
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