By Omonu YG Nelson
Abuja, Nigeria – A civil society group, Middle-Belt Voice submitted a draft bill to the National Assembly seeking to repeal four military era decrees and restore the 1963 Constitution, which was suspended on January 15, 1966.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, on Wednesday, 24 July, 2024Â the convener of the CSO Rev. James Pam, explained that the bill aims to promote “renewed federalism” and return Nigeria to a democratic republican system of government.
*”We want to go back to the negotiated constitution of 1963, which was suspended by the military,”* Rev. Pam said in a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. *”The people are unanimous in their preference for semi-autonomous states, just like our fathers desired before Independence.”*
The bill seeks to repeal Decree No. 1 of 1966, Decree No. 34 of 1966, Decree No. 104 of 1979, and Decree No. 24 of 1999, which have been criticized for centralizing power and stifling regional autonomy. It also proposes a three-year transition period to amend the 1963 Constitution and update it with current realities.
*”This bill is a significant step towards promoting true federalism and democratic governance in Nigeria,”* said a spokesperson for the Middle Belt Region, which has been advocating for greater autonomy. *”We believe that this will address the concerns of marginalized communities and promote national unity.”*
The bill has been submitted to the President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives for consideration. If passed, it will mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s governance structure and potentially pave the way for a more decentralized system of government.
(C) Summit Post News