Senate Receives Fresh Proposal for Creation of 8 New States in North-West
- The Senate has reportedly received a fresh proposal to create eight new states from the north-west region of the country
- Stakeholders presented the proposal to the committee on constitutional review during public hearings over the weekend
- The eight new states that have been proposed would be created from the Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States
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Stakeholders in the north-west zone of Nigeria have made a fresh demand for the creation of eight new states, stating this was due to improved development, security, and equity.
They presented their demands at the North-West zonal public hearing of the Senate Committee on the 1999 Constitutional Review in Kano on Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27.
Source: UGC
New proposed Nigerian states from the north-west
According to Vanguard, the proposed new states being demanded to be created included Kainji from parts of Kebbi and Niger, Hadeja from Jigawa, Bayajidda and Karaduwa States from Katsina State, Gurara and New Kaduna from Kaduna State, and Tiga and Ghari from Kano State.
Ahmed Musa Ibeto, the chairman of the Kainji State Movement, informed the Senate committee that the proposed new state would have the Zuru Emirate in Kebbi and the Borgu and Kontagora Emirates in Niger State.
He explained that the emirates have historical and administrative ties that date back to 1902. Ibeto further noted that the creation of the new states would address security challenges and promote fairness, justice and equity in the region.
Also speaking at the event was a representative of Mark Jacob, who noted that their submission was in line with Section 8 of the Constitution, with all major signatures from the relevant stakeholders.
National Assembly denies creating new states
This came as the National Assembly distances itself from the claim that it has approved the creation of new 31 states in the state.
Yemi Adaramodu, the spokesperson of the senate, stated that creating a new state did not only lied within the chamber but must passed through several constitutional amendment.
He explained that any proposal to create a new state must secure the approval of a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the state Houses of Assembly, describing it as a thorough and rigorous process.
Adaramodu made the comment as a reaction to the viral message on WhatsApp, where the Senate was alleged to have passed a bill to create 31 new states in Nigeria.
Earlier this year, the House of Representatives announced that it received proposals to create 31 new states in the country.
Source: Twitter
Analyst explains what justifies new states creation
A public affairs analyst and lawyer, Amadi Anyakwe Miracle Esq., has weighed in on the ongoing proposal to create new states in Nigeria.
Speaking with Legit.ng, the Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner said the creation of new states must be based on strong and valid grounds.
"To create states, there must be a need for it. If these needs are cogent and compelling, no state will wish that away," he said.
Miracle also pointed out the challenges posed by the vast geography of some states in Nigeria:
"Nigeria is quite big. There are states within the federation that, if you want to go from its capital to other parts of the state, you have to spend hours on the road. Getting to other local government areas is also far from the capital.”
The lawyer added that people living in such remote areas deserve administrative autonomy:
"Those very far away people need to be independent also. They should have their own government to administer their affairs, get closer to the government, and also enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
What new Nigeria map could look like
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerians have continued to react to the proposal for the creation of 31 more states in Nigeria received at the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review, during plenary on February 6, disclosed that it has received proposals for the creation of the new states.
Amid this development, Kayode Okikiolu, a veteran journalist, shared how Nigeria's map would look should the proposal ultimately be scaled through the National Assembly.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a public affairs analyst for this report.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
