Creating More States Won’t Solve S'East Problems, Says Agbakoba

Says the National Assembly should rewrite the constitution or create a new one entirely, noting that the new constitution would bring back a system of regional governments for Nigeria.
Dr. Olisa Agbakoba. [X]
Dr. Olisa AgbakobaX
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A Nigerian lawyer, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, argues that creating more states in the South-East won't solve the region's problems. 

Expressing the view in an interview with Journalists in Lagos on Sunday, Dr. Agbakoba, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, suggests that instead of splitting the country into more states, the National Assembly should rewrite the constitution or create a new one entirely. He said the new constitution would bring back a system of regional governments for Nigeria.

The House of Representatives recently passed for second reading, a bill seeking the creation of a new state called Etiti. This new state would be carved out of five existing states (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states) from the southeast geopolitical zone.

Lawmakers Godwin Ogah, Miriam Onuoha, Kama Nkemkama, Princess Nnabuife, and Anayo Onwuegbu jointly sponsored the bill.

In a speech for the bill's general principles, Ogah, an Abia representative, argued that creating Etiti State wasn't just about making administration easier. He said it was necessary to bring about equal development across the regions and improve how the government functions.

The lawmaker said the bill was a response to the goal of the people of a very important region to the country and corresponds with the principles of equity and inclusivity enshrined in the country’s democratic idea.

Additionally, some lawmakers and stakeholders have urged for the creation of a new Anioma State from parts of the South-South and South-East regions.

One of those leading the call, Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta North), said the creation of Anioma State would correct what he described as the marginalisation of the South-East geo-political zone.

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