In a recent report by the Nigerian Tribune, Professor Omajuwa Natufe, who chairs the Constitution Review Committee of the Movement for National Reform (MNR), made a compelling case for Nigeria’s return to a regional government structure. Natufe drew attention to the historical consequences of disregarding regionalism in federal systems, pointing to the dissolution of several nations as cautionary tales.
The professor highlighted a growing alignment between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions on the critical issue of restructuring through regionalism. He also emphasized the importance of reinstating the 1963 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) as part of this process.
Natufe suggested that President Tinubu could secure a significant place in Nigerian history by endorsing the MNR’s proposed reforms. He argued that such actions would represent a renewed commitment to genuine federalism and effective governance in the country.
In his statement, Natufe said, “The demise of the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia provide vivid consequences of the denial of regionalism in their respective ‘federal’ political systems.” He further added, “Furthermore, I will draw his (Tinubu) attention to the emerging congruence between the ‘North’ and the ‘South’ on the issue of restructuring via regionalism and the restoration of the 1963 CFRN.”
Emphasizing the potential historical significance of such a move, Natufe stated, “By endorsing MNR’s draft Executive Bill and restoring the 1963 CFRN, President Tinubu will bequeath Nigeria a lasting legacy. His (Tinubu) name will go down in history as the president who restored good governance and true federalism in Nigeria.”
These remarks underscore the ongoing debate about Nigeria’s governmental structure and the potential benefits of a return to a more regionally-focused system of governance.