The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has emphasized that those advocating for the creation of new states in the country must address and navigate several significant challenges before their demands can be considered. Kalu’s statement shines a light on the complexities and detailed processes involved in state creation in Nigeria, acknowledging the legal, financial, and political obstacles that must be overcome.
Nigeria’s Growing Call for New States
With a population exceeding 200 million people, Nigeria is divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. Over the years, numerous calls have been made for the creation of additional states, driven by demands for greater autonomy and a desire to address issues such as marginalization and underdevelopment. Many ethnic groups and regions within Nigeria argue that the current state structure does not adequately reflect their interests or ensure equitable distribution of resources.
However, Rt. Hon. Kalu’s remarks make it clear that while these demands are a reflection of the legitimate concerns of various groups, the process of creating new states is not as straightforward as some may believe. The Deputy Speaker called attention to the intricate process that must be followed to meet these demands.
Constitutional and Legal Roadblocks
One of the main challenges identified by the Deputy Speaker lies within Nigeria’s constitutional framework, which regulates the creation of new states. According to the Nigerian Constitution, the creation of a new state requires the approval of the National Assembly, where a two-thirds majority of both the Senate and the House of Representatives must give their consent. Additionally, the people in the proposed area must express their support for the new state through a formal referendum process.
Kalu pointed out that while the Constitution allows for state creation, it also imposes a thorough process that involves not only lawmakers but the public in the affected regions. This ensures that any change to Nigeria’s political structure reflects the will of the people and aligns with national unity.
Another significant concern raised by Kalu is the financial aspect of creating new states. Establishing a new state involves considerable investment, including the development of necessary infrastructure and the creation of governance institutions. Given that several states in Nigeria still face economic challenges, the cost of establishing new states must be carefully examined before it can be considered.
Political and Ethnic Dimensions of State Creation
The call for new states is not only a matter of legalities but also political and ethnic considerations. Many of the demands for statehood are rooted in the belief that certain ethnic groups or regions are underrepresented or sidelined in Nigeria’s current political structure. For some, the creation of new states represents a way to address these grievances, often based on historical and contemporary issues of inequity.
While acknowledging these concerns, Kalu stressed that state creation should not be driven solely by ethnic or political interests. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that any changes to the political structure are carried out with national unity and cohesion in mind. Nigeria’s diversity makes the process of state creation especially sensitive, as it could potentially heighten divisions if not handled with care.
The Need for Dialogue and Consensus
Despite the numerous challenges, Kalu did not reject the demand for new states. Instead, he urged for a constructive dialogue between the various stakeholders involved. He called on those advocating for new states to engage in meaningful conversations with lawmakers, community leaders, and citizens to better understand the complexities of the issue and to seek solutions that benefit all Nigerians.
The Deputy Speaker stressed the importance of transparency and inclusiveness in the decision-making process. He proposed the idea of a national conversation where diverse opinions could be shared, ensuring that decisions reflect the broader interests of the nation rather than being influenced by a particular group’s agenda.
Conclusion: A Thoughtful Approach to State Creation
The push for new states in Nigeria is a multifaceted issue that requires careful thought and consideration. While the demand for more states reflects real concerns, the hurdles identified by Rt. Hon. Kalu must be addressed for any meaningful progress to be made. Nigeria’s federal system, legal framework, financial capacity, and political dynamics all need to be weighed carefully before changes can be made to the country’s state structure.
The Deputy Speaker’s call for dialogue, patience, and collaboration is an important reminder of the need to approach such significant changes with the broader national interest in mind. As the conversation about new states continues to unfold, it is clear that any decision made must be done in a way that promotes national unity, economic development, and effect
