The National Assembly is currently reviewing a bill that proposes a return to a regional government structure for Nigeria, aiming to pass the legislation 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,” has been circulating on social media.
The bill seeks to replace the 1999 Constitution, which was established under military rule, with a new governance model that reflects the consensus of the Nigerian people.
The sponsors of the bill, whose identities remain unknown, argue that the current constitution is not “autochthonous,” as it lacks the express consent of the populace.
“The current Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian people,” the advocates stated.
They propose that the new constitution be subject to a “yes or no” referendum.
The draft bill outlines several key points:
“Preliminaries: It acknowledges that Nigeria has been governed under Decree 24 of 1999 without the express consent of its people and that the 1999 Constitution is not autochthonous.
“Substitution Clause: The National Assembly would use its powers to replace the 1999 Constitution with a new governance model effective no later than October 1, 2024.
“Federal Administration: Nigeria would become a federation of regional territories with a Federal Capital Territory. Each ethnic nationality would have the right to self-determination and equitable representation in federal and regional governments.”
The bill emphasizes the desire for a constitution that reflects the will of the Nigerian people.
“The Peoples of Nigeria now desire and effectively demand for a change to a Constitution based on a Federal/Regional System of Government,” it states.
Under the proposed governance structure, Nigeria would be a federation comprising regional territories and a Federal Capital Territory. Each ethnic nationality would have the right to self-determination within its delineated territories. The bill also calls for equitable representation in federal and regional governments.
The proposal is seen as a significant shift from the current system, with the potential to address longstanding issues of governance and representation in Nigeria. The outcome of the referendum will ultimately determine whether this new governance model will be adopted.