As the debate over the review of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly is rekindled, senators are divided on the issue of returning to the regional system of governance. The proposal has drawn divergent views among members of the Senate, with some advocating regionalism as a solution to national challenges, while others are firmly opposed to it.
At a meeting in Kano, at the end of the two-day retreat of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution, senators expressed contrasting views on the issue. While the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, as well as Senators Abdul Ningi and Muntari Dandutse, expressed their disagreement with a return to regionalism, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, for his part, came out in favour of the idea.
In his remarks, Senator Bamidele highlighted the complexity of such a decision, warning against any haste that could render the process futile. He stressed the need for a thorough debate involving political actors, civil society and other stakeholders in order to reach a consensus.
Speaking on the challenges of amending the Constitution, the Senator highlighted the rigorous steps that any constitutional amendment entails, highlighting the need for an inclusive and democratic approach. He recalled that the constitutional review process requires broad political and popular support, in order to ensure fair representation of diverse interests and opinions within the nation.
In conclusion, as the debate on the return to regionalism intensifies, Senator Bamidele underscored the importance of maintaining a thoughtful and collaborative approach in making such crucial decisions for the future of the country. He called for a thorough and inclusive reflection, reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of the constitutional issues that shape the destiny of the nation.
This ongoing debate in the Senate offers a unique opportunity to explore different perspectives and opinions on the issue of regionalism, thus reaffirming the importance of dialogue and consultation in building a strong and inclusive democracy.