The South East geopolitical zone in Nigeria will soon have an additional state as the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has unanimously approved the creation of a new state in the region. This decision brings the total number of states in the South East to six.
The approval came after a two-day retreat in Lagos, where the committee reviewed 55 proposals for new states across the country.
Why the South East Deserves a Sixth State
Currently, the South East has five states, the fewest among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Other regions have six or seven states, leading to long-standing concerns about unequal representation and political imbalance.
During the retreat, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who chaired the session, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, who co-chaired, emphasized the need for fairness in Nigeria’s political structure.
Kalu, a consistent advocate for the cause, explained that the approval was based on equity, justice, and fairness. He said, “This decision addresses an age-long imbalance and gives the South East a fairer representation in the federation.”
Motion for Approval and Committee Consensus
After deliberations, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) moved the motion for the creation of the new state. Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ifo/Ewekoro, Ogun State) seconded it. The committee members voted unanimously in favor, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s constitutional history.
Besides the approval of the new state, the committee also adopted provisions for independent candidacy in future elections and additional seats for women in both the Senate and House of Representatives. These measures are part of broader reforms aimed at promoting inclusiveness and strengthening democracy.
Next Steps and Broader State Creation Proposals
However , to expand the reform process, the committee established a subcommittee to review 278 proposals for creating additional states and local government areas nationwide.
Senator Jibrin urged lawmakers to work together to build support across both chambers and state assemblies before the final 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.”
Reactions from Lawmakers and Stakeholders
Reacting to the decision, Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) hailed the approval as “a right step in the right direction.” He said it would ease long-standing grievances in the South East over marginalization.
“I feel very elated because what the National Assembly Committee has done today is the right step toward equity, fairness, and justice,” Izunaso stated. “With this, most of the agitations about marginalisation will reduce. The South East will now have additional senators, representatives, and local governments, making it a win-win situation for all.”
When asked which existing state would be split to create the new one, Izunaso said that decision would come later. “That is not the issue right now,” he explained. “The issue is that the House of Representatives has approved one state for the South East. Stakeholders from the region will now sit and decide which viable state can represent the collective interests of the people.”
What This Means for Nigeria’s Political Balance
The creation of a sixth state in the South East is expected to strengthen national unity and balance political representation across Nigeria’s regions. Many analysts see it as a long-overdue move that could reduce regional tensions and promote greater inclusion in the country’s governance structure.
https://shorturl.fm/wxniP