Badamasi Bello, Jadetimes Staff
B. Bello is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Nigerian News
Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria – The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Amendment has rejected all 31 proposals for the creation of new states in Nigeria, citing their failure to meet constitutional requirements. The announcement was made by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, during a two-day retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The retreat, organized by the 10th House of Representatives in partnership with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), aimed to assess constitutional amendment proposals and chart the way forward in the ongoing review process. Despite the rejection of the state creation proposals, the committee has extended the deadline for submissions to March 5, 2025, to allow communities to revise and resubmit their requests.
Proposals Fall Short of Constitutional Standards
Deputy Speaker Kalu revealed that the House received 31 proposals for state creation on February 6, 2025. However, none of the requests met the constitutional requirements necessary for consideration. “Although we have received 31 requests for state creation, none of these requests met the constitutional requirements for amendment,” Kalu stated during the retreat.
The constitutional requirements for state creation in Nigeria are stringent. According to Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, any proposal for the creation of a new state must be supported by at least two-thirds of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly in the affected area. Additionally, the proposal must be approved by a referendum conducted in the proposed state.
Deadline Extended for Revised Proposals
Despite the rejection, the committee has extended the deadline for submissions to March 5, 2025, to give communities an opportunity to revise their proposals. Kalu hinted that further extensions might be considered depending on the resolutions reached at the retreat. “We are committed to ensuring that all voices are heard, but we must also adhere to the constitutional framework,” he said.
Focus on Broader Constitutional Reforms
Beyond state creation, the House Committee is reviewing 151 constitutional amendment bills aimed at addressing governance challenges in Nigeria. Kalu disclosed that some of the bills have passed the second reading, while others are still in the early stages of consideration. “Our goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s governance structures and ensure that the constitution reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians,” he noted.
The constitutional review process is a critical component of the 10th House of Representatives’ legislative agenda. Lawmakers are focusing on issues such as fiscal federalism, local government autonomy, judicial reforms, and gender equality, among others.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
The rejection of the state creation proposals has elicited mixed reactions from stakeholders. Proponents of state creation argue that it is essential for addressing marginalization and promoting development in underserved regions. “State creation is a legitimate demand for many communities. The federal government must ensure that the process is fair and transparent,” said Hon. Samuel Onu, a member of the House of Representatives from Benue State.
However, critics have raised concerns about the financial and administrative implications of creating new states, particularly in a country already grappling with economic challenges. “We must be cautious about the fiscal implications of state creation. The focus should be on strengthening existing structures rather than creating new ones,” warned Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, an economist and former Nigerian finance minister.
What’s Next?
As the constitutional review process continues, communities seeking state creation must ensure that their proposals meet the constitutional requirements to be considered for approval. The House Committee has vowed to maintain transparency and inclusivity throughout the process.
The extended deadline provides an opportunity for stakeholders to engage more deeply with the constitutional requirements and submit revised proposals. The outcome of this process could have significant implications for Nigeria’s political and administrative landscape.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the constitutional review process is thorough, inclusive, and aligned with the aspirations of the Nigerian people.m.
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