Former Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah has expressed strong views on governance, social media regulation, northern politics, and the future of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on this week’s edition of the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Ibn Na’Allah emphasized the challenges posed by social media to Nigerian society, asserting that the nation has suffered significantly from the failure to pass his proposed Social Media Regulation Bill. “The nation has lost a lot by not allowing it to go through. Social media is destroying our (Nigerian) society.”
On the issue of constitutional debates, Sen. Na’Allah dismissed criticisms of the 1999 Constitution, insisting that it remains a valid legal framework. While he also dismissed the 2014 National Conference as a waste of resources during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, instead, he suggested that any restructuring should begin with informal consultations among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
“There is nothing wrong with the constitution. If we are restructuring Nigeria now, what the president should do is to informally invite the six geopolitical zones to representation for a general discussion on restructuring or a new constitution to come into play.”
Addressing northern politics, Na’Allah challenged the notion that the North dominates Nigeria due to its landmass and population, describing it as incorrect. However, he acknowledged the region’s struggles, attributing them to a lack of adequate investment in education. “I think what is happening in the North is a deficit in education. Maybe the leaders did not place what was reasonably necessary to accommodate that dislocation for the purpose of educating the populace. So, I do not accept the blame on northern elites for keeping (Northern Nigeria) underdeveloped.
Meanwhile, the former Senator was also critical of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, for appointing individuals who failed to align with his vision.
“Buhari secluded himself from those who were capable of giving him good advice. What the APC (All Progressives Congress) was formed to address in this country. If we had disciplined ourselves, Nigerians would not look anywhere for governance.”
Discussing President Tinubu’s administration, the former lawmaker acknowledged discontent with his leadership but dismissed claims that the North is particularly antagonistic toward him. Looking ahead to 2027, Sen. Na’Allah however cautioned that President Tinubu currently faces electoral challenges but has the opportunity to change the political narrative before the next election cycle.
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