By Levinus Nwabughiogu

Members of the National Conference committee on Political Restructuring, and Forms of Government yesterday canvassed the creation of an additional state in the Southeast to redress the apparent marginalization of the geopolitical zone.

Members from different geopolitical zones struck one accord on the issue at the session yesterday presided over by the committee chairman, Senator Ike Nwachukwu.

While contributing to the debate, Senator Femi Okurounmu underscored the need for the creation of an additional state in the south east to strike a balance in the present number of states in the zones.

President- General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Enwo Igariwo, while contributing said that the matter was of paramount interest to him and the entire Igbo race, urging his fellow delegates to support the idea.

Mrs. Binta Masy Garba who craved for the creation of Saudana state in the north however favoured the creation of an additional state in the Southeast.

But Mr. Yinka Odumakin, a South West delegate while supporting the idea of a state in the Southeast, however, said that such should be based on the principle of self sufficiency as he claimed that most states can hardly pay the salaries of their workers without reliance to federal revenue.

He submitted that states must be able to fend for themselves and cautioned against the abuse of the process.

Abuse of the process

Former Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue while supporting the call reminded delegates that the vast Igbo speaking community which included his Anioma Community in the state deserved a state from the present Delta.

Addressing Journalists after the committee had adjoined sitting to Monday, the chairman, General Nwachukwu expressed gratitude to the members, saying that they displayed rare wisdom in reaching the decision.

He said: “I must thank my committee members for their maturity and ability to discern the need for Nigerians to have more states based on merit and particularly to give the Southeast an additional state bringing it in line with other states to six. But I have a strong feeling that at the end of the day, we must be recommending equality of states in the zones and then allow the zones to decide which state should be created.”

“I want to indeed say to my colleagues that they have shown tremendous maturity, great understanding. They believe in win-win option. That is the spirit we need in this Conference.”

His co-chairman, Hon. Mohammed Kumalia spoke in the same vein saying that in the interest of fair play, the Southeast deserved an additional state.

He however submitted that demands for creation of states from other zones would be treated according to merit.


Source: Vanguard