Agency Report
Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Alex Otti of Abia State on Saturday expressed divergent views on the creation of new states during a public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution.
The hearing, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, took place in Owerri and covered both Imo and Abia states.
While Governor Uzodimma advocated for additional states in the South-East to address what he described as long-standing marginalisation, Governor Otti, represented by his deputy, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu, raised concerns over the economic implications of creating more states.
Uzodimma argued that the South-East, with only five states, was underrepresented in national institutions, including the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council.
“Every other zone has six or more states. This imbalance has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity,” he said. “It’s only fair and just that we ask for the creation of at least two additional states in the South-East.”
He specifically called for the creation of Anim State, noting that it would have oil-producing status and a viable revenue base. He also pushed for the establishment of new local government areas in the region.
On indigeneship, Uzodimma proposed that anyone born in a state or who has resided there for at least 10 years should be recognised as an indigene.
He also called for a constitutionally guaranteed rotational presidency based on the six geopolitical zones, rather than the current North-South dichotomy.
Backing the decentralisation of policing, Uzodimma said, “As Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, I can confirm that we support the decentralisation of the police. The fear that governors will misuse such a force is outdated.”
He praised the National Assembly for its continued efforts to deepen democracy through periodic constitutional amendments.
On the other hand, Governor Otti cautioned against the creation of additional states, describing it as a potential strain on Nigeria’s already limited resources.
“I respect the views of those who believe new states can address marginalisation, but I am concerned about the additional burden on our lean resources,” Otti said.
He advocated instead for inclusive governance within existing states, where all major clans and communities have a voice in resource allocation and political decision-making.
“The current system is too elite-driven to be functional. The time has come to put the ordinary people at the centre of decision-making,” he added.
Otti supported the creation of state police but stressed the need for clearly defined standards around recruitment, accountability, inter-agency collaboration, and human rights compliance.
He also backed the proposal for additional legislative seats for women to enhance their representation at national and state levels. Furthermore, he urged political parties to strengthen internal processes to support women’s active participation.
On the status of local governments, Otti urged caution, warning against expanding an already bloated bureaucracy. He, however, supported proposals to make free and compulsory basic education a fundamental right.
“Our focus should not be on creating a perfect Constitution but on building upon the gains made over the past 26 years,” he concluded.
Earlier, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the public hearing as part of a national conversation to shape Nigeria’s future.
“The 2025 Constitution Review process is arguably the most inclusive in our nation’s history,” Kalu said. “We are reviewing 87 priority amendment bills that touch on the most critical challenges facing the country.”
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, institutional reform, and support for legislative independence.
Various stakeholders also presented their positions on the proposed amendments during the hearing.
(NAN)
