National Assembly Considers Bill Proposing Return Of Nigeria To Regional Government
A bill proposing a return to regional government in Nigeria is currently under consideration by the National Assembly and is anticipated to become law before October 1, 2024. The draft bill, 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,” aims to replace the current constitution with a new governance model based on federal and regional systems.
The sponsors of the bill argue that the existing Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) lacks legitimacy as it was imposed by a military government without the consent of the people. They advocate for a constitution that evolves from the deliberations and consensus of Nigerian citizens.
Under the proposed legislation, any constitutional amendments would be subject to a referendum vote by the Nigerian people, ensuring democratic participation in the governance process. The bill seeks to empower ethnic blocs within states to determine their governance structures, allowing for flexibility and autonomy at the regional level.
The draft bill outlines the process for substituting the current constitution with a new governance model, emphasizing the importance of popular consent through a referendum. It also delineates the territorial jurisdiction of Nigeria, comprising regional territories and a federal capital territory, with boundaries determined by international agreements.
Furthermore, the bill recognizes the unconditional right to self-determination for every ethnic nationality and people within Nigeria’s territories. It envisions a federal system where ethnic groups have the autonomy to establish institutions of government and equitable representation in both federal and regional administrations.
The proposed legislation aims to address the concerns of Nigerians regarding the legitimacy and effectiveness of the current governance structure. By promoting a return to regional government, the bill seeks to provide a more inclusive and participatory system that reflects the diverse interests and identities within the country.
In summary, the bill before the National Assembly proposes a significant overhaul of Nigeria’s governance model, shifting towards a federal system with increased regional autonomy. It emphasizes the need for popular consent through a referendum and seeks to address longstanding issues of legitimacy and representation in the country’s governance.
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