President Bola Tinubu is set to receive a draft bill on Friday that advocates for a return to a regional system of government in Nigeria. The proposed legislation, authored by Akin Fapohunda, a chieftain of the Yoruba socio-cultural association Afenifere, aims to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with a new governance model for Nigeria. Titled "A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with New Governance Model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria," the bill seeks to establish new laws under the name "The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024."

Although the bill was previously disowned by the House of Representatives, Fapohunda confirmed that it would be transmitted to the President on Friday. He indicated that there would be a seven-day waiting period before releasing the bill to the public.

The proposed bill, according to Fapohunda, advocates for the division of Nigeria into eight geopolitical regions with interim boundaries. These regions include the Southern region, South Eastern region, Western region, Mid-Western Region, Eastern Middle Belt Region, Western Middle Belt Region, North Eastern Region, and North Western Region. Each region would have its own governance structure, allowing for greater autonomy in managing affairs.

The coalition envisions a two-tier government system comprising federal and regional levels. Regions would have the freedom to create sub-entities based on agreed-upon stipulations embedded in their constitutions. The proposed governance stipulations also include the introduction of a new regional government framework with executive and legislative functions.

Furthermore, the coalition proposes downsizing and reconfiguring the existing administrative structures. This includes converting states into provinces and local government areas into divisions, with the aim of reducing the cost of public administration. The coalition also advocates for a uni-camera federal legislature and decentralization of federal power in favor of fewer regions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Overall, the coalition emphasizes the need for a new constitution that embodies these proposed changes, including freedom for regions to create, merge, or reconfigure their sub-political units. They also advocate for a return to the parliamentary mode system of government and statutory rotation of headship among the regions to ensure fairness and equity.

Naijamatta is a social networking site,

download Naijamatta from Google play store or visit www.naijamatta.com to register. You can post, comment, do voice and video call, join and open group, go live etc. Join Naijamatta family, the Green app.