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As mixed reactions continue to trail the proposed creation of 31 new states, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, have expressed divergent views. DAILY POST recalls that the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee had on Thursday put forward a proposal for more states to be created in Nigeria. The proposal,
Ohanaeze, Arewa youths differ on proposed 31 new states
As mixed reactions continue to trail the proposed creation of 31 new states, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, have expressed divergent views.
DAILY POST recalls that the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee had on Thursday put forward a proposal for more states to be created in Nigeria.
The proposal, which was read during plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has continued to gain acceptance and rejection across the country.
The states being considered include Okun, Okura and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; FCT State; Amana from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi; Savannah from Borno; Muri from Taraba; New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano; Kainji from Kebbi; Etiti and Orashi as the sixth states in the South-East; Adada from Enugu; and Orlu and Aba.
Others are Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers, Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, and Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun States.
While some stakeholders like former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe amongst others spontaneously rubbished the proposal, others welcomed the development, citing marginalization of some ethnic groups across the 36 states.
However, in a separate interview with DAILY POST, factional Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and the President General of AYCF, Yerima Shettima stated their positions on the matter.
Proposal premature, only South needs creation of new states – Ohanaeze
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo kicked against the proposal, stating that only the South-East and the South-South need one additional state each.
Okechukwu Isiguzoro told DAILY POST that the “proposal is an exercise in futility, characterized by a blatant lack of credibility and a fundamental misunderstanding of the criteria essential for the establishment of viable political entities.
“We commend the leadership of the House, particularly the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his forthright dismissal of this proposal, which fails to meet basic constitutional requirements.
“His remarks serve not only as a necessary disclaimer but as a vital effort to preserve the integrity and dignity of our legislative institutions.
“The suggestion to create an unwieldy number of new states is, frankly, premature and displays a level of immaturity unbecoming of our representatives. Such proposals do nothing but cast a shadow over the stature of the House of Representatives and compromise its essential role in governance”.
The organization further reaffirmed its position that any discourse regarding state creation must prioritize the Southern region, which according to Isiguzoro has been “historically underrepresented”.
He argued that the Northern region, having 19 states, a configuration established by past military regimes, was a “strategic instrument of intimidation against the governance and development of the Southern populace”.
Ohanaeze appealed to President Tinubu to “summon the political will and moral strength necessary to correct this longstanding imbalance in state representation.
“The political and economic advantages enjoyed by the North, due in large part to its nineteen states, must be counterbalanced by the creation of two additional states in the South.
“Our immediate recommendation is that the first of these new states be established in the Southeast, which currently consists of just five states.
“The Southeast must achieve parity with other geopolitical zones, particularly the Northwest, which boasts seven states.
“Moreover, we propose that the allocation of the second new state be judiciously considered for either the Southwest or the South-South region.
“This strategic adjustment is not merely a numeric correction; it represents a critical step toward addressing the long-standing grievances of the Southern populace and fostering a more equitable distribution of power across the federation.
“The imperative for action is now clearer than ever. By fostering this equity, President Tinubu will not only be advancing the cause of justice for the Southern regions but also dismantling the historical political and economic dominance that has marginalized our people for far too long.
“The establishment of these two states is essential for ensuring that the Southern regions are empowered to contribute significantly to the national dialogue and development agenda.
“We assert that the time has come for President Tinubu to take decisive action.
“The creation of two additional states within the Southern regions is not merely a policy recommendation; it is a clarion call for justice, equality, and national unity. A stronger, more equitable Nigeria is possible if we take the necessary steps to right the imbalances of the past”.
Proposed creation of 31 new states elicited hope across Nigeria – Arewa Youths
Contrary to Ohanaeze’s view, the President General of the AYCF, Yerima Shettima told DAILY POST that the proposed states, including four each from the North East and North West, has “elicited hope across the nation”.
According to Shettima, the proposal’s primary aim “appears to be addressing perceived regional imbalances in political representation and resource allocation.
“Currently, some regions feel underrepresented in the political landscape, leading to grievances and marginalization.
“Creating additional states, particularly in under-represented zones, could theoretically offer a fairer distribution of power and resources, potentially fostering greater national unity and stability.
“This could also lead to enhanced development in hitherto neglected areas, as new states attract investment and attention from the central government.
“Increased access to government services and infrastructure, such as improved healthcare and education facilities, could improve the lives of citizens in these newly created states.
“Furthermore, creating more gubernatorial and senatorial positions could provide greater political participation opportunities, potentially empowering local communities and fostering a sense of ownership in governance”.
He, however, noted that the proposed restructuring raises several significant concerns, citing the financial implications.
According to Shettima, creating new states involves substantial costs, which include the establishment of new administrative structures, legislative bodies, judicial systems, and infrastructure.
He noted that “these costs could strain the nation’s already limited resources, potentially diverting funds from essential services like healthcare and education.
“The long-term economic viability of these new states needs rigorous assessment to avoid exacerbating existing economic challenges. Secondly, the potential for increased ethnic and religious tensions cannot be ignored.
“The arbitrary delineation of state boundaries could inadvertently deepen existing fault lines, creating new conflicts over resource control and political power.
“Careful consideration of ethnic and religious demographics is crucial to avoid creating states based on divisive lines rather than promoting unity.”
Ohanaeze, Arewa youths differ on proposed 31 new states
An Osun State-based clergy, Bishop Shina Olaribigbe of Rapture Empowerment International, Osogbo, was in the early hours of Thursday stabbed to death while settling a fight between a couple. Although details about the couple involved were not immediately available, security sources hinted to our correspondent that the woman fighting her husband was attending Olaribigbe’s church
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An Osun State-based clergy, Bishop Shina Olaribigbe of Rapture Empowerment International, Osogbo, was in the early hours of Thursday stabbed to death while settling a fight between a couple. Although details about the couple involved were not immediately available, security sources hinted to our correspondent that the woman fighting her husband was attending Olaribigbe’s church