Middle belt group kicks against call for regional government, supports restructuring

The Middle Belt Council of Elders (MBCE) says calls for a return to regional government in Nigeria are untenable.

In a statement on Wednesday, the council said Nigeria’s diverse federation is not suited for regional government.

Zamani Lekwot, chairman of the council, argued that a regional system of government would marginalise minority ethnic groups in the country.

However, Lekwot said the country should be restructured, which would lead to the devolution of powers from the federal to the state and local governments.

“Under the regional system, the minority ethnic groups were marginalised by the major ethnic groups,” the statement reads.

“Since change is the progressive phenomenon that makes life interesting, true federalism with the states under the zones as the federating units, as recommended by the 2014 national conference, is the most cost-effective option, which we fully support.

“Creating a few more states, with boundary adjustments where necessary, would bring governance closer to the people, enhancing purposeful development, peace, and tranquility.”

Referencing Nigeria’s post-colonial experience, the council further advocated that states should control their resources and contribute a percentage to the central government.

“This will give vent to healthy competition among the states and infuse a deep sense of belonging and patriotism in everyone,” Lekwot said.

“The vast agricultural land, huge natural resources, and the creative talents that abound in the states will then be properly harnessed to free us from the shackles of poverty and insecurity by providing employment for the teeming youths.

“This is what the call for restructuring, which should be set in motion without further delay, is all about.”

Nigeria practised the regional system of government after it gained independence in 1960.

In 1979, after military rule, Nigeria adopted the presidential system of government and has maintained it to date.

In May, the national assembly distanced itself from the bill after a document 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’ went viral on social media.

The bill was said to have been drafted by one Akin Fapohunda, who is not a member of the national assembly.

However, Yemi Adaramodu, the senate’s spokesperson, said there was no such bill before the national assembly.