Politics

The Proposed Drafted Bill for Regional Government in Nigeria

Published

1 year ago

June 1, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

The Proposed Drafted Bill for Regional Government in Nigeria

Introduction

Nigeria, a country with diverse ethnic groups and cultures, has been struggling with issues of governance since gaining independence in 1960. With a federal system of government put in place by the 1999 Constitution, there have been debates on the effectiveness of this system in accommodating the needs and aspirations of the various regions in the country. In light of this, a proposed drafted bill for regional government is being considered as a means of addressing these challenges and promoting better governance in Nigeria.

Proposed Drafted Bill

The proposed drafted bill for regional government in Nigeria seeks to decentralize power and resources to the various regions in the country, thereby allowing them to have more control over their affairs. This bill would allow for the establishment of regional governments with elected officials who would be responsible for the administration of their respective regions. The regions would have the power to make decisions on issues such as economic development, infrastructure, education, and healthcare, among others.

The bill also seeks to address the issue of resource control in Nigeria, with the regions having more control over their natural resources and revenues. This would help to reduce the over-dependence on the federal government for funding and resources, and promote greater accountability and transparency in the management of resources.

Furthermore, the bill proposes the establishment of regional assemblies with legislative powers to enact laws and policies that are specific to the needs of the region. This would allow for a more responsive and efficient government that can address the unique challenges and priorities of each region.

Review of the 1999 Constitution

In order for the proposed drafted bill for regional government to be implemented, there would need to be amendments to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. These amendments would have to be passed by the National Assembly and approved by a majority of the states in the country before they can take effect. The amendments would include provisions for the establishment of regional governments, the devolution of powers to the regions, and the redistribution of resources and revenues.

The review of the 1999 Constitution would also need to address issues of federalism, resource control, and the distribution of wealth and resources in the country. This would require a thorough and comprehensive review of the existing constitutional provisions and an inclusive and transparent process that involves all stakeholders in the country.

Effective Date

The proposed drafted bill for regional government and the review of the 1999 Constitution amendments would take effect from 1st October. This date holds significance as it marks Nigeria’s independence day and symbolizes the country’s commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed drafted bill for regional government in Nigeria presents an opportunity to address the challenges of governance and promote better representation and accountability at the regional level. By devolving powers and resources to the regions, the bill aims to promote greater autonomy and self-determination, and foster economic development and social cohesion in Nigeria. The review of the 1999 Constitution amendments is a crucial step in this process, and it is essential that all stakeholders in the country are involved in the decision-making process. Only through a collaborative and inclusive approach can Nigeria achieve its goals of building a more prosperous and united nation.

Politics

Natasha: Akpabio’s aide petitions IGP over alleged hacking of account, defamation

Published

5 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Former Delta State Commissioner and Special Adviser on Communications/Strategy to the President of the Senate, Mr. Kenny Okolugbo, has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, calling for an urgent investigation into what he described as a coordinated cyberattack and defamation campaign targeted at destroying his credibility and misleading the public.

In the petition, Okolugbo alleged that his verified social media account on X was hacked and used to publish damaging statements falsely attributed to him.

The fabricated content, he claims, was then amplified by three popular social media influencers, Tunde Ednut (@mazitundeednut), Rufai Oseni (@ruffydfire), and Adeola Fayehun (@adeolafayehun), who, according to him, embellished the post with additional falsehoods, including allegations of phone cloning, voice manipulation, and fictitious meetings in London.

“These allegations are not only untrue but impossible based on verified evidence,” he wrote.

“Most disturbing is that the fabricated post was simultaneously circulated and embellished by these influencers using identical language and coordinated timing, pointing to a syndicated disinformation campaign,” he added.

Okolugbo alleged that the campaign was orchestrated to lend undue credibility to allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.

He emphasized that the false narratives promoted online were not contained in the original hacked post, showing that it was indeed orchestrated, suggesting deliberate malice and manipulation aimed at tarnishing his public image.

As part of his plea to the Nigeria Police Force, Okolugbo requested the following actions:

“A full-scale investigation into the hacking and impersonation of his verified social media account, citing violations under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015;

“Identification and prosecution of individuals responsible for the forgery, defamation, and spread of malicious content;

“Preservation of all relevant digital evidence from social media platforms and third-party service providers for forensic analysis.”

He noted that the matter was of significant public interest and personal concern, urging the Police Force to act “swiftly and decisively.”

Okolugbo also disclosed that he had enclosed his travel documents showing he has not visited London or anywhere outside Nigeria as alleged this year 2025 and the last time he was in London was 5th November 2024 and had no meetings in London, printouts of the alleged defamatory and manipulated posts to support his claims and provide context for investigators.

The Nigeria Police Force is yet to issue a formal response to the petition as of the time of this report.

Politics

Tinubu Signs Kalu’s Bills Establishing 3 Tertiary Institutions in Abia, Imo into Law

Published

10 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law three bills sponsored by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, establishing Federal College of Education, Bende, Abia State; Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item Bende, Abia State, and Federal University Okigwe, Imo State.

The institutions aim to provide quality education, research opportunities, and cater to the educational needs of the South East region

Kalu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for signing the bills into law, he urged the people of the South East people to continue supporting the Tinubu-led government, promising more democracy dividends.

Politics

Expose June 12 conspirators or face legal action – SERAP to Tinubu

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged President Bola Tinubu to back up his Democracy Day rhetoric with defensive action by addressing the lingering injustices in Nigeria’s democratic history, especially, the landmark June 12, 1993 presidential election.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday, signed by the group’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare.

SERAP urged President Tinubu to set up a presidential panel of inquiry to investigate the annulment of the election on June 12 and uncover those who are behind what is described as the “deliberate violations of Nigerians democratic freedoms.”

The organization stated that not minding the political position of individuals found responsible, they should be brought to justice through Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

SERAP also urged the president to instruct Fagbemi to urgently draft and present an executive bill to the National Assembly seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022, specifically to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory and grant all voters access to election documents.

The group argued that this would enhance electoral transparency, prevent manipulation, and help restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The organisation called on the president to immediately halt all prosecutions and drop charges against Nigerians currently detained or facing trial simply for exercising their rights to peaceful protest and free expression.

“Your Democracy Day speech conveyed a commitment to freedom, transparent and accountable governance, and social justice,” the letter stated.

“However, such commitments will ring hollow unless your government takes concrete action to end impunity for past violations, enforce electoral reforms, and guarantee democratic freedoms.”

SERAP emphasised that there is no statute of limitations on violations of democratic rights, and that achieving the ideals of June 12 is impossible without accountability and systemic reforms.

It warned that the failure to prosecute those responsible for the June 12 annulment has entrenched a culture of impunity, encouraging continued subversion of elections and political rights in Nigeria.

“Amending the Electoral Act to mandate electronic transmission of results and ensuring open access to electoral documents are essential to delivering credible elections,” the group stated. “It will also allow voters to verify the integrity of electoral outcomes.”

The organisation also demanded a review of laws undermining freedom of expression.

It asked the president to push for the repeal or amendment of repressive statutes, including the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation and falsehood laws in the Criminal and Penal Codes, which have been used to silence journalists, critics, and dissenters.

SERAP raised concern over the growing trend of strategic lawsuits against public participation, noting that the legal tactics, often backed by politicians and security agencies are being used to harass and intimidate Nigerians peacefully expressing their views.

“Your administration’s obligation under the Constitution, your oath of office, and Nigeria’s international human rights commitments requires you to dismantle structures of repression and safeguard democratic freedoms,” SERAP wrote.

The group gave the president a seven-day deadline to begin implementing its recommendations, failing which it vowed to initiate legal action to compel compliance in the public interest.

While acknowledging the president’s recent pledges to deepen democracy and expand civic space, SERAP insisted that only concrete reforms, not lofty speeches, can truly honour the legacy of June 12 and move Nigeria towards a just and free society.