The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has unanimously approved the creation of an additional state in the South-East geopolitical zone, increasing the region’s total states to six.
This decision aims to address the long-standing agitation over the region’s perceived marginalization in Nigeria’s political structure.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and co-chaired by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, deliberated extensively on the proposal. Kalu emphasized that the approval was anchored on equity, justice, and fairness.
Senator Abdul Ningi moved the motion for the new state, which was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka and received unanimous support from committee members.
The committee also established a sub-committee to review 278 proposals for new states and local government areas across all six geopolitical zones.
Additionally, the committee approved independent candidacy for future elections and an extra elective seat for women in every state of the federation.
Senator Osita Izunaso described the decision as “a right step in the right direction,” noting that it would help address feelings of marginalization in the South-East.
The committee’s decision still requires ratification by the National Assembly and endorsement by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
