A non-governmental, non-sectarian and non-ethnic organization, The Rebirth Group (TRG) has advocated the transformation of the present Nigeria presidential system into regional Parliamentary System of government to enhance a reduction in the cost of governance and to maximize Nigeria’s huge natural and human resources for the good of all Nigerians.
TRG, which made the suggestion in a communique issued at the end of a symposium held in Gombe, Gombe State said Nigeria need to adopt Parliamentary system of government to curb corruption, high cost of Governance and other vices.
“Considering the high cost of running presidential system and its tendency to encourage corruption, the Symposium is advocating a return to Parliamentary System of Government as was done before independence and in the First Republic.
The Theme of the Symposium which was *’Restructuring Nigeria: Pathway to National Integration, Peaceful Co-existence, & Sustainable Development’, also recommended that for Nigeria to be sustainable as a nation, it must be restructured without further delay.
“The country would be better served if it goes regional.
TRG said the symposium which had been held in different parts of the Country came out with either Eight or Six regions, allay the fear that going regional will lead to the abrogation of states.
“In the new structure being advocated for, the Regions would form the Federating units to make the country to be known as United Regions of Nigeria (URN) or any other name that we find convenient. Each Region is to have its own Constitution and be autonomous.
“The autonomy *within the Nigerian federation* being sought is to accord each Region fiscal federalism status among others. This would make it possible for the community, state and local government areas from where certain resources are derived to have 80 per cent of the proceeds of the resources while 20 per cent goes to the center.
The Symposium also recommended the setting up of a Restructuring or Rebirth Commission for the purpose of addressing the wounds inflicted on various nationalities with a view to genuinely heal the wounds. Such a body can be called Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission.
“Participants were encouraged to continue the advocacy for Restructuring when they return to their respective places. Just as it was resolved that Women and Widows, Physically Challenged People and Youths are to be encouraged and be given more opportunities for greater participation in the affairs of the State, Region or Local Government to which they belong.
The forum also recommended specific roles to be constitutionally assigned to Traditional Rulers in the regions of the country, if it is so desired, so as to encourage them to take more active part in the affairs of their people and of the nation.
Salient Times report that the major objectives of the Symposia being held in various parts of the country are, to critically examine the structural challenges of the Nigerian federation, to build consensus on the necessity of restructuring and developing a clear, actionable roadmap towards a just, equitable and sustainable political and constitutional order that guarantees peaceful coexistence, regional autonomy and inclusive national development.
“To build consensus on TRG’s proposed model: Autonomous regions, Inclusivity, Co-operative and Meritorious System.
Participants at the Symposium were Representatives of various ethnic communities in Nigeria, Districts Heads, Members of the Academia, Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions, Professionals, The Clergy, Women Organisations, Youth Organisations and political figures.
Representatives of governments of some states in the North East participated including the Deputy Governor of Borno State who was represented by Honourable Abdullai Yusuf. Also in attendance was Honourable Dogo M. Shettima, the Senior Special Adviser to Borno State Governor on Information.
Besides those who were physically present at the venue, others participated online through Zoom.
