KEVIN OJI argues for the creation of Anioma State to address imbalance in governance structure
The planned two day public hearings nationwide, announced by the Senate Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution affords the country another opportunity to tinker with a union froth with internal contradictions that has stymied the unfurling of the great Nigerian possibility. Headed by Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, the hearings, which took place simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones July 4th-5th is envisioned to gather the views of citizens on vital issues that continue to impact governance, security, economy and inclusion. The public hearings also focused on issues such as judicial reforms, local government autonomy, establishment of a local government electoral commission, creation of states, inclusive governance and other issues of national importance.
Apart from the military, there have been no successful attempt to create new states since the return of democracy in 1999. General Yakubu Gowon opened the floodgate on May 27, 1967 with the creation of 12 states; Murtala Muhammed created seven new states on February 3, 1976. Thereafter, General Ibrahim Babangida added two new states, Akwa Ibom and Katsina in 1987 and quickly followed it up with additional nine states on August 27, 1991. General Sani Abacha created six more states on October 1, 1996, bringing the total to 36. In spite of the undesirability of military rule, the leadership of these praetorian juntas acted decisively in response to challenges of nation-building. While the autocratic nature of military governance structure may have made decisive action easier, it should be stated that our country’s constitution established a credible pathway to state creation. Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution firmly establishes a democratic process of state creation in our clime. It is achievable, but involves a multi-step process with various stakeholders and requires a high level of consensus.
