Politics

Tinubu to Receive Bill on Regional Government Next Week

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 8th, 2024.

Tinubu to Receive Bill on Regional Government Next Week

By Dirisu Yakubu

A bill advocating for Nigeria to return to a regional system of government will be presented to President Bola Tinubu next week, Saturday FIRST CLASS GISTS has learned.

Last week, the House of Representatives distanced itself from the draft bill that had been widely circulated online.

The 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,’ seeks to introduce new laws collectively referred to as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.”

The bill’s preamble states: “Whereas Nigeria, its peoples, and government have been governed under Decree 24 of 1999 issued by the then military government without the express consent of the people despite the preamble of ‘We, the people.’ Whereas the said Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) does not originate from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian People; whereas the peoples of Nigeria now desire and effectively demand a constitution based on a federal/regional system of government.”

The proposed legislation suggests that federal and regional governments should operate within the provisions of this new Constitution. It also allows ethnic blocs within states to organize themselves as provinces, divisions, and districts, managing their affairs independently at various governance levels.

Despite inquiries, the House clarified that it was not considering the bill, with House spokesman Akin Rotimi and Chairman of Rules and Business Francis Waive confirming it had not been brought before any committee for deliberation.

However, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, the drafter of the private bill, had previously indicated his intention to collaborate with National Assembly members before sending the bill to the parliament. On Friday, he stated he would submit the proposed law directly to President Tinubu, who could then present it to the parliament as an executive bill.