Confab committee backs creation of more states

The Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government at the ongoing National Conference on Thursday in Abuja backed the agitation for the creation of one more state in the South-East in the interest of justice and fair play.The committee headed by General Ike Nwachukwu(retd) unanimously agreed that with the creation ofan additional state in the South-East, every Nigerian will now have a sense of belonging.They also agreed that every other region agitating for the creation of more states should get it on the basis of merit.Senator Femi Okurounmu while making his argument, said there should be creation of more states to meet growing demands.According to him, there should be the same number of states in every zone in the spirit of fairness.He however warned delegates to be mindful in order to avoid the abuse of the process.Another delegate, Binta Masy Garba advocated forthe creation of Saudana State in the North and gave nod to the creation of an additional state in the South-East in order in the spirit of fairness.Chief Benjamin Elue from Delta State while supporting the call for the creation of an additionalstate in the South-East, appealed to delegates to consider the long agitation of the Igbo-speaking people in his state who want their own state.He said Anioma State should be carved out of Delta State.Senator Ahmed Aruwa said the committee cannot create a state. He said they can make recommendations and create an enabling environment for those agitating for more states to have their way. He said the South-East zone deserves additional states, based on merit.Yinka Odumakin while making his presentation said states have become tenants to the Federal Government adding that states must have the capacity to look inward and create its own revenuebase instead of becoming slaves to the federal government.He said the practice where governors come to Abuja at the end of every month to collect salaries must be discouraged.Lawrence Agubuzu, a South-East delegate said every region should get an additional state. He however argued that in the new arrangement, his region should be given two states. He said the creation of additional states in the six geopolitical zones will create a better balance.Mohammed Kumalia said in the interest of justice and fair play, the South-East should be given an additional state. He sad every other region agitating for more states must be given based on merit. He said this is needed in order to avoid abuse of the process.A copy of the committee’s votes and proceedings obtained by journalists read: “That without prejudice to states constituting the federating units, states that wish to merge may do so in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.Addressing journalists after the committee adjoined its sitting, the chairman, General Nwachukwu said by supporting the creation of an additional state in the South-East, delegates have shown that everyone can have a win-win situation.He said: “I must thank my committee members for their maturity and ability to discern the need for Nigeria to have more states based on merits by giving the South-East an additional states, therebybringing at par with other zones. I want to indeed say to my colleagues that they have shown great understanding and they believe in win-win option. That is the spirit we should maintain in this Conference.”