Edo Group Proposes Restructuring Nigeria into Eight Regional Parliaments

The Edo Group, a Benin-based organization called the God and People Prayer Parliament, has put forward a proposal to restructure Nigeria into eight regional parliamentary systems of government. The group's national chairman, Dr. Dele Oluwatade, presented the plan in Benin City, explaining that under the proposed arrangement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would assume the role of Prime Minister, serving as the head of Premiers of the eight regions.

The goal of this restructuring is to create a new, stable Nigerian federation. The Edo Group highlighted the absence of key democratic provisions in the First Republic's parliamentary system, such as a referendum clause, an exit clause, and the definition of territorial integrity, which contributed to its failure. To ensure a stable polity, the group proposed five essential democratic clauses: a referendum clause, a secession or exit clause, a regional integrity clause, an expulsion clause, and an intervention clause.

Dr. Oluwatade described the current presidential system as a "drain pipe democracy" and the root cause of fiscal corruption in the country. He argued that the advantages of the parliamentary system align more closely with the definition of democracy. The Edo Group appealed to President Tinubu and the National Assembly to expedite the provision of structures to commence the debate on restructuring the country.

The Edo Group's proposal comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with various challenges, including economic instability, security concerns, and calls for greater regional autonomy. The group's appeal to President Tinubu and the National Assembly to facilitate a debate on restructuring highlights the urgency of the matter and the need for a national dialogue on the future of Nigeria's governance structure.

Key Takeaways

• Edo Group proposes restructuring Nigeria into 8 regional parliamentary systems.
• Proposed system would make Tinubu the Prime Minister, leading 8 regional Premiers.
• Key democratic clauses include referendum, secession, regional integrity, expulsion, and intervention.
• Group criticizes current presidential system as "drain pipe democracy" and source of corruption.
• Edo Group appeals to Tinubu and National Assembly to facilitate restructuring debate.