By Adeola Badru

A coalition of northern advocacy groups has called for the urgent restructuring of Nigeria and a return to a modified parliamentary system, warning that the country’s current political arrangement has failed to address deepening insecurity, poverty and unemployment across the North.

The call was made in Ibadan on Wednesday, during a press conference by members of The Rebirth Group (TRG) and affiliates of Concerned Citizens for Restructured Nigeria (CCRN), led by Mohammed Lawal, Zonal Leader of TRG North West and President of the Rescue Northern Nigeria Movement.

Lawal said the delegation was in Ibadan to submit a report of its activities and reaffirm support for the restructuring campaign being championed by TRG and its partners across the country.

He said the coalition believed Nigeria could only survive as a united nation if it was rebuilt on fairness and mutual understanding among its constituent groups.

“We believe strongly that Nigeria must become a country founded on consent, justice, mutual respect and negotiated coexistence, where all constituent peoples and stakeholders can sit together sincerely to agree on the terms of our association and collective future,” he said.

The coalition proposed the creation of new regional structures in the North West, including a Rima Region, also known as the Sokeza Region, to comprise Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and parts of Niger State. It also proposed a Dalla Region made up of Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and parts of Kaduna State.

Lawal argued that the proposed regions possessed sufficient human and natural resources to achieve economic viability, self-governance and sustainable development.

“For us in the North West, we earnestly advocate for the creation of a Rima Region comprising Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and part of Niger State. The proposed region may also be referred to as the Sokeza Region,” he said.

He added that regional autonomy would help communities tackle insecurity more effectively and manage resources in line with local aspirations and cultural realities.

The groups also took a strong position against negotiations with armed bandits and other criminal groups operating across northern states, insisting that such elements should be dealt with strictly under the law.

“We unequivocally condemn the practice of negotiating with criminal elements. These criminals are not our brothers, and they must be dealt with strictly in accordance with extant laws,” Lawal stated.

He further stressed that Islam did not condone violence or attacks on innocent citizens, adding, “Our religion does not support violence, banditry or the killing of innocent human beings. Islam upholds peace, justice and the sanctity of human life.“

The coalition urged Nigerians to prioritise constitutional restructuring ahead of future elections, maintaining that another electoral cycle under the existing system would not solve the country’s challenges.

“We believe that priority should be given to restructuring Nigeria rather than merely preparing for another cycle of elections under a failing system,” Lawal said.

He called for a return to a modified parliamentary system similar to the arrangement negotiated by Nigeria’s founding leaders, including Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo.

Lawal said many northern Nigerians had become frustrated by persistent insecurity, economic hardship and lack of opportunities, urging political leaders, youths, women and elders across the region to embrace the restructuring movement.

“The North does not need too much speech; it needs action, courage and rebirth. The time for waiting is over, the time for action is now, the time for rebirth is here,” he said.