Gov Otti Urges Caution Over Proposals For 31 New States

Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has urged caution over proposals to create 31 new states in Nigeria, warning that the country may not have the resources to support such expansion.

Speaking during the South-East constitution review hearing in Owerri, Governor Otti represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu said Nigeria must focus on building an inclusive, efficient system rather than multiplying bureaucracies.

“Adding more states may deepen the sense of inclusion, but it could also overwhelm the nation’s finances,” he said.

He expressed concern that local government autonomy, if poorly implemented, might lead to a bloated structure and increased inefficiency, especially in the management of education and healthcare at the grassroots level.

Dr Otti backed the creation of state police, describing Nigeria’s current federal policing system as inadequate.

“Security must be localized, but the structure must be clear — from recruitment to accountability,” he told the gathering.

He also supported proposals for additional parliamentary seats for women but warned that reforms must go beyond quotas.

“We must strengthen political party processes to ensure ordinary women — not just political proxies — can participate meaningfully,” he said.

On Education, Governor Otti fully endorsed free, compulsory basic education as a constitutional right and called for significant investment in education infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum reform.

“It is not enough to mandate schooling. We must fund it, equip it, and make it work for every child,” he said.

While acknowledging flaws in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, Otti urged the nation to pursue workable solutions.

“We don’t need a perfect constitution,” he said. “We need a practical one that serves Nigerians today and evolves with them tomorrow.”

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji