Abuja: The Joint National Assembly Committee on Constitution Review has approved the creation of an additional state in Nigeria’s South-East region, marking a significant step toward addressing long-standing demands for equity and representation.
The committee, in a statement issued on Sunday, also announced the setting up of a sub-committee to further consider the creation of states and local government areas across other zones of the country.
According to the statement, the unanimous resolution was reached after the committee reviewed 55 proposals for state creation nationwide.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who had consistently championed the initiative, said the request was anchored in the principles of equity, justice and fairness, as the zone has only five states.
In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, urged members to rally support among colleagues at the national and state assemblies to ensure that the resolutions sailed through during voting.
“We need to strengthen what we have started so that all parts of the country will key into this process.
“By the time we get to the actual voting, we should already have the buy-in of all stakeholders from both chambers and the state houses of assembly,” he said.
