Obosi community leader endorses Anyaoku’s call for regional government, seeks constitutional reforms
By Sunny A. David, Awka
The President-General of the Obosi Development Union (ODU) Worldwide, Barrister Chimezie Obi, has expressed support for former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku’s longstanding campaign for Nigeria to return to a regional system of government, describing it as a viable solution to the country’s governance and development challenges.
Speaking with journalists in Obosi on Saturday, Obi said Anyaoku’s sustained advocacy for constitutional restructuring reflects a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s unity and promoting sustainable national development.
He argued that Nigeria’s current federal structure, with 36 states operating under a highly centralized system, has become financially burdensome, noting that a significant portion of public funds is spent on governance rather than critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development.
According to him, adopting a regional system based on the country’s six geopolitical zones would reduce the cost of governance, encourage accountability, and stimulate healthy competition among the regions.
Obi recalled that Nigeria recorded notable progress in agriculture, education, commerce, and industrialization during the regional era before 1966, adding that a return to that framework could revive innovation, improve resource management, and promote balanced national growth.
He further stated that devolving more constitutional powers to the regions would strengthen security, enhance resource control, and improve service delivery by allowing local authorities to address issues specific to their areas.
The ODU President-General maintained that the concentration of powers at the federal level is inconsistent with the principles of true federalism and called for constitutional reforms that would grant greater autonomy to the federating units.
Obi identified constitutional amendments through the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly as a practical route to achieving regional governance while also supporting broader national consultations to produce lasting constitutional reforms.
He urged traditional rulers, town unions, professional associations, and civil society organizations to intensify public awareness and engage policymakers in building nationwide support for restructuring.
Clarifying his position, Obi stressed that the call for regional government should not be interpreted as a demand for secession but as a constitutional arrangement aimed at improving governance, strengthening national unity, and accelerating development.
He also commended Chief Emeka Anyaoku for consistently advocating constitutional reforms over the years, describing him as one of Nigeria’s leading voices on restructuring and true federalism.
Obi therefore called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and other key stakeholders to begin an inclusive constitutional reform process, expressing confidence that regional governance would help reposition Nigeria for lasting peace, economic prosperity, and sustainable development.
