31 New States Proposal Stirs Heated Discussions Nationwide

Since Thursday, February 6, when the House of Representatives issued a notice to have received proposals for new states (31) in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria in the ongoing review of the 1999 constitution (as amended): “and it is quite ready to consider them once they comply with the stipulated guidelines”–as such, there has arisen a deluge of reaction from Nigerians of all ages and religion, ethnic identities, and professions.

The proposed states, if created, would increase the number of states in the country from the current 36 to 67. Currently, Nigeria has 36 states, but only five in the South East. The South West, South-South, North Central, and North East have six states each, while the North West has seven states.

The analysis of proposals further reveals that, in the early North Central, the Green Chambers received requests for the construction of seven states, including the following: Benue Ala, Apa Agba, etc.

He has called on proponents of the new states to re-submit their requests according to Section 8(1) of the amended 1999 Constitution. This directive was contained in a notice from the House Committee on Constitution Review, signed by the deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who is the chairman of the committee.

The committee has subjected the applications for new states to examination as specified under Section 8(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). The section sets forth criteria which must be satisfied in order to initiate state creation. The application would be resubmitted in conformity with these stipulations, Kalu stated.

The deputy speaker made promises that “Committee would, indeed, remain receptive to legitimate efforts that align with constitutional provisions while entertaining proposals that meet the requisite guideline.”

Some Nigerians have resisted such moves, arguing that what should preoccupy the attention of the country’s leadership is how to restore regionalism in the country rather than creating more states.

Those who believe in this narrative assert that Nigeria was best governed when it was regionally structured, adding that the creation by the General Yakubu Gowon-led military government of such 12 states from the four regions was not intended for development but as a deliberate step to weaken the eastern region during the Nigerian/Biafran war.

Yet some others have also argued that creation of states leads to development among those peoples regarded as marginalized and would embrace proposals, as reiterated by the lawmakers, for creating new states, provided they meet guidelines.

Still others do not believe in creating more states for Nigeria, but rather feel that for equity, justice and fairness, the country might consider the measure.

Naijaeyes Report