Constitution Review: Activist Advocates Regional Federation, State Police

Convener of The Gap Parliament Nigeria, Mr Dele Oluwatade, has canvassed the adoption of a genuine regional system of government in Nigeria,

He said it offers a stronger framework for tackling insecurity, promoting development and strengthening the country’s federal structure.

In a position paper titled “Envisioning a Federal Future: The Case for Regional Governance in Nigeria,” at a press conference in Benin City, yesterday, he urged the federal government to ensure that any constitutional reform establishes a federation of regions rather than a federation of states.

Oluwatade commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what his bold step towards regional governance, expressing the hope that constitutional reforms expected to take effect from October 1 would lay the foundation for a more stable and effective federation.

He proposed a seven-region federation instead of the current six geopolitical zones, arguing that the South-South should be divided into the old Midwest Region and a Niger Delta Region for administrative convenience and equitable development.

The activist further recommended constitutional provisions for referendum, secession, intervention and excision clauses, saying such mechanisms would strengthen democracy and provide peaceful means of resolving constitutional disputes.

He said, “We congratulate the President for embracing the path of geopolitical reform.

What Nigeria needs is a true federation of regions, with clearly defined powers and institutions that will guarantee stability, security and balanced development.”

“The South-South, as presently structured, is disadvantaged because movement within parts of the region often requires passing through another region. A seven-region arrangement will address this challenge and reflect historical realities,” Oluwatade stated.

“A modern federation should provide for referendums on major national issues and create lawful procedures for peaceful withdrawal or constitutional restructuring where necessary. These safeguards will make the union more stable rather than weaker,” he said.

Oluwatade also advocated a decentralised policing system in which the Federal Government, regional authorities, states and local governments would each control their respective police formations to improve internal security.

He added that greater autonomy in security administration would enable governments at all levels to respond more effectively to local challenges.

He said while regional governance would be a significant improvement, a confederation of autonomous republics remained the ultimate option if constitutional reforms failed to address longstanding political and structural concerns.

He stressed that all regions should enjoy sufficient autonomy while remaining part of a cooperative federal arrangement.

“We want a regional federation built on clear constitutional terms and conditions, with institutions that protect every region’s political integrity and guarantee peaceful coexistence. Each region should be free to develop according to its own priorities while remaining committed to the progress of Nigeria,” Oluwatade added.

He appealed to members of the constitutional review committee to work in the national interest, praying that God would grant them wisdom to produce a constitution capable of promoting peace, justice and national development, while also commending the committee and President Tinubu for pursuing constitutional reforms.