The National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review has approved the creation of an additional state for the South East geopolitical zone — a decision that, if ratified, will increase the region’s states from five to six.
The landmark resolution was reached at the end of a two-day retreat held in Lagos, where members of the committee reviewed no fewer than 55 proposals for state creation across the country.
The committee, jointly chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, said the decision was informed by the need to ensure equity and fairness among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“The South East has been historically disadvantaged with only five states, compared to the six or seven in other zones,” Kalu said, describing the approval as “a bold step towards justice and national balance.”
The motion for the creation of the new state was moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ifo/Ewekoro, Ogun State). It received unanimous backing from members of the joint committee.
Kalu, who has been one of the leading voices advocating for a sixth state in the region, noted that the approval aligns with the long-standing agitation by leaders and groups from the South East.
“This is not just about numbers,” he said. “It’s about giving every region in Nigeria an equal sense of belonging. Equity in representation is the foundation for a stable federation.”
In his remarks, Senator Barau Jibrin urged lawmakers to begin consultations with their colleagues across the National Assembly and the various State Houses of Assembly to ensure the proposal passes the final voting stage.
“We need to strengthen this process and secure the buy-in of all stakeholders,” Jibrin said. “By the time we get to the stage of voting, there should already be broad consensus to make this a reality.”
Meanwhile, the committee also constituted a subcommittee to consider other proposals for the creation of additional states and local government areas across all six geopolitical zones.
According to the committee, a total of 278 submissions for new states and LGAs were received and are currently under review.
The creation of a sixth state in the South East — if approved by the two-thirds majority of lawmakers and endorsed by state assemblies — would mark the first time Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution is amended to create a new state.
The approval has been widely welcomed by South East stakeholders who view it as a long-overdue correction of what they have described as decades of “structural imbalance” in Nigeria’s federal system.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment