House Clears Air On Proposal For New States Creation

The House of Representatives has clarified that none of the 30 proposals for new states submitted to it meets the constitutional requirements for state creation.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, stated that the House has not taken a position on the issue and emphasised that the process is ultimately in the hands of the Nigerian people.

In a statement in Abuja, Kalu explains that the 30 proposals read during Thursday’s plenary session were meant to inform Nigerians about the applications received so far.

He dismisses media reports claiming the House proposed creating 31 new states, calling them inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the legislative process.

The proposals include requests for states such as Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; Amana from Adamawa; Savannah from Borno; and others from various regions.

Kalu notes that none of these proposals comply with Section 8, subsections 1 to 3 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the process for state creation.

He urges applicants to address the gaps in their proposals by March 5, 2024, and stresses that creating a new state requires a two-third majority vote in the Senate, House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, and local governments.

The deputy speaker assures Nigerians that the House is committed to following due process and encouraged applicants to resubmit their proposals once they meet constitutional guidelines.

“We are the people’s parliament. We are not taking any position on the issue of state creation,” Kalu said.

“We decided to let Nigerians know that, while we have received 30 applications, none currently meet the constitutional requirements. Applicants have until March 5 to address these gaps, he added”.

The House of Representatives on Thursday received proposals for the creation of an additional 31 states across Nigeria.

PR/Oduyemi Odumade