Constitution Review: Uzodinma Demands Creation of Two Additional States for South-East Nigeria

Hope Uzodinma, the Governor of Imo State, has renewed his advocacy for the creation of two additional states within Nigeria’s South-East region to ensure that the geopolitical zone stands on equal footing with other regions across the federation.

Governor Uzodinma made this strategic proposal while delivering a speech in Owerri during the ongoing public hearing on the 1999 constitution review. The Governor emphasized that constitutional reforms are urgently needed to address the longstanding grievances and multiple agitations originating from different regions of the country.

He reiterated that reviewing the constitution provides a crucial pathway to foster inclusiveness, justice, and equitable distribution of resources — especially for the South-East region, which he stressed has suffered marginalization in state creation.

Legal Recognition of Indigene Status and Rotational Presidency

In his address, Uzodinma suggested that the constitution should clearly define the concept of “indigeneity” through criteria such as birth or prolonged residency in a state. This, he argued, would promote a deeper sense of belonging among citizens, regardless of their place of origin within Nigeria.

Additionally, the Governor pushed for the entrenchment of rotational presidency, not just between the Northern and Southern regions but also among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This, he noted, would advance national unity and political stability.

Advocating State Policing for Enhanced Security

Governor Uzodinma also threw his weight behind the decentralization of policing powers in Nigeria. He argued that enabling states to establish their own police forces would enhance the nation’s security architecture by ensuring a more responsive and effective law enforcement system tailored to local peculiarities.

He urged the National Assembly to give serious consideration to these proposals during the constitutional review process, underlining that a constitution reflecting the collective values and aspirations of all Nigerians is indispensable for the country’s national stability and progress.

“Our diversity is a source of strength, not weakness. But this strength must be harnessed through the rule of law and principles of equity. Thus, our constitution must represent our shared values and not merely demarcate our borders,” Uzodinma affirmed.

A Call for Peaceful Constitutional Engagement

He called on the South-East populace to leverage the constitutional review process to seek redress for their historical grievances through peaceful and legal avenues, rather than resorting to threats of secession or violence.

According to Uzodinma, the ongoing public hearings demonstrate the vitality of democracy, which thrives only where justice and fairness are upheld.

“I am not among those agitating for the total abolition of the 1999 Constitution. Instead, I support its continuous review to address the diverse opinions across the country, fortifying our young democracy,” he remarked.

“Like constitutions in other countries, ours is a work in progress. Let us build on it. Today’s hearing is a vital part of that progressive effort. There is no flawless constitution anywhere. That is why parliaments exist globally,” he added.

Addressing South-East Underrepresentation in Nigeria

Speaking further, the Imo State Governor lamented that the South-East remains the only zone in Nigeria with just five states, compared to six or seven in other regions. He stated that this imbalance has led to the region’s underrepresentation in critical national institutions, including the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council.

“Our representation is minimal, and our inclusiveness curtailed. Therefore, it is fair and just that we demand the creation of at least two additional states in the South-East,” Uzodinma asserted.

He specifically recommended that Anim State should be among the newly created states. He pointed out that Anim State holds significant economic potential due to its prospective status as an oil-producing state, ensuring its financial sustainability and revenue generation capacity. The Governor also proposed that the creation of new local government areas (LGAs) in the zone should accompany state creation efforts.

Abia State Governor Supports Inclusive Reforms

In a similar vein, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, advocated for a constitution that champions inclusivity, state policing, and free, compulsory universal basic education.

Otti emphasized the need for the Federal Government to incorporate legal safeguards, establish oversight committees, and adopt a structured command model to mitigate potential abuses that could arise from implementing state police.

Legislative Stakeholders Endorse Constitutional Amendments

The public hearing, hosted at Eze Imo Palace in Owerri, featured key stakeholders from Imo and Abia States. The session was formally opened by Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on the 1999 Constitution Review.

During his address, Kalu described the review process as a pivotal historical endeavor aimed at redefining Nigeria’s destiny. He stated that it is also intended to address gaps in the nation’s legal framework while reinforcing the guiding principles of the constitution.

He assured that the Committee has made deliberate efforts to ensure that every segment of Nigerian society is represented through inclusive engagement in the constitution amendment process.

“The constitution should serve as a social contract reflecting the present realities, desires, and aspirations of Nigerians, acting as a moral compass for the country’s future,” Kalu emphasized.