National assembly committee okays creation of new state in south-east

The joint committee of the national assembly on constitution review has approved the creation of an additional state in the south-east.

The decision was reached at a two-day retreat in Lagos, where the committee considered 55 proposals for new states across the country.

The south-east currently has five states—fewer than the six or seven in other geopolitical zones.

The session was chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and co-chaired by Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives.

Kalu, who has consistently advocated the creation of another state in the south-east, said the move was based on equity, justice and fairness.

During the deliberation, members of the committee unanimously supported the proposal.

Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, moved the motion for the creation of the new state while Ibrahim Isiaka, lawmaker representing the Ifo/Ewekoro federal constituency in Ogun state, seconded it.

The motion was adopted by the committee.

The joint committee also set up a subcommittee to consider the creation of additional states and local government areas in all six geopolitical zones.

A total of 278 proposals were submitted for review.

Barau urged members to secure the support of their colleagues in both chambers and state assemblies to ensure the resolutions scale through during voting.

“We need to strengthen what we have started so that all parts of the country will key into this process,” he said.

“By the time we get to the actual voting, we should already have the buy-in of all stakeholders.”(The Cable)