…as Reps committee lists proposals from six geo-political zones

• Lawmakers to rely on Section 8, 1999 Constitution

• Move may bring total States to 67

The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution announced on Thursday that it had received 31 proposals for the creation of new states across the six geopolitical zones.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read a letter from the committee during plenary, outlining the conditions that must be met before any state creation requests can be approved.

According to the letter, the proposals include five from the North Central, four from the North East, five from the North West, five from the South East, four from the South South, and seven from the South West.

However,  bearing that Nigeria already has 36 states, the move could upscale the number of states in the country to 67.

Among the states being considered are: Okun, Okura, and Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala and Apa (Benue); FCT State; Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); and Muri (Taraba).

Other proposed states include, New Kaduna and Gujarat (Kaduna); Tiga and Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi); Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, and Aba (South East); Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori and Obolo (Rivers); Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan (Oyo); Lagoon (Lagos); and Ogun, Ijebu (Ogun); Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun).

The letter also outlines requirements for state creation, referencing Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution.

A request to the National Assembly for the creation of a new state will only be passed if supported by at least a third majority of members from the Senate, House of Representatives, the State House of Assembly, and the Local Government Council.

Further, the letter reminds Local Government Advocates for the creation of additional local government areas that Section 8 of the Constitution applies to this process.

Specifically, the letter stated, “A request to the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if a request supported by at least the third majority of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the Local Government Council in respect of the area, is received by the National Assembly.”

The letter continued: “Local Government advocates for the creation of additional local government areas are only reminded that Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, applies to this process.

“Specifically, in accordance with Section 8.3 of the Constitution, the outcome of the votes of the State Houses of Assembly in the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for fulfillment of state demands.”

Proposals must be resubmitted in strict adherence to the guidelines, he letter advised, sating, “three hard copies of the full proposal of the memoranda” be submitted to the Secretariat of the Committee at Room H331, House of Representatives, White House, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. Sub-copies must also be sent electronically to the Committee’s email address at info.hccr.gov.nj.

“The Committee remains committed to supporting the implementing efforts that align with the constitutional provisions and would only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines,” the statement affirmed.