Stakeholders in the north-west zone of Nigeria have made a fresh demand for the creation of eight new states, stating that this was due to improved development, security, and equity.
This is as stakeholders in the region presented the proposal to the Senate committee on constitutional review during its public hearing in Kano on Saturday and Sunday. …CONTINUE READING
They presented their demands at the North-West zonal public hearing of the Senate Committee on the 1999 Constitutional Review. The committee held the hearing in Kano on Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27.
According to Vanguard, the proposed new states being demanded to be created included Kainji from parts of Kebbi and Niger; Hadeja from Jigawa; Bayajidda and Karaduwa States from Katsina State; Gurara and New Kaduna from Kaduna State; and Tiga and Ghari from Kano State.
Ahmed Musa Ibeto, the chairman of the Kainji State Movement, informed the Senate committee that the proposed new state would have the Zuru Emirate in Kebbi and the Borgu and Kontagora Emirates in Niger State.
He explained that the emirates have historical and administrative ties that date back to 1902. Ibeto further noted that the creation of the new states would address security challenges and promote fairness, justice and equity in the region.
Also speaking at the event was Mark Jacob, a representative of Mark Jacob, who noted that their submission was in line with Section 8 of the Constitution, with all major signatures from the relevant stakeholders.
This came as the National Assembly distances itself from the claim that it has approved the creation of new 31 states in the state. Yemi Adaramodu, the spokesperson of the senate, stated that creating a new state did not only lied within the chamber but must passed through several constitutional amendment.
Adaramodu explained that any proposal to create a new state must secure the approval of a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the state Houses of Assembly, describing it as a thorough and rigorous process.
Adaramodu made the comment as a reaction to the viral message on WhatsApp, where the Senate was alleged to have passed a bill to create 31 new states in Nigeria. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives announced that it received proposals to create 31 new states in the country.
