“South-East Youths Reject Proposed State Creation, Demand Fairer Allocation”
The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, has strongly rejected the proposal to create just five new states for the South-East, as part of a broader plan to add 31 new states to Nigeria. The proposal, which was presented by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review on Thursday, has sparked controversy.
Under the proposal, Nigeria’s state count would increase from 36 to 67, with the South-East set to receive five new states: Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, and Aba. Other regions in the country would receive a greater number of new states, leading the Ohanaeze Youth Council to accuse lawmakers of perpetuating the marginalization of the South-East zone.
A Step Toward Further Marginalization, Says Ohanaeze Youth President
In a statement issued on Friday, the National President of Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, expressed deep concern over the proposal. Okwu argued that the South-East, which currently only has five states, would continue to be disadvantaged if the proposal moved forward. He highlighted that other regions, with more states, would receive larger allocations, intensifying the marginalization that Ndigbo have long decried.
“Our zone has been crying for an additional state since the return to democracy in 1999,” Okwu said. “But it has always been denied by those who are content with keeping Ndigbo subjugated in this country. We thought this constitutional amendment process was an opportunity to correct that, but the reality is different.”
Calls for Equitable Distribution of New States
Okwu further emphasized that any genuine effort to unite Nigeria must begin with ensuring fairness in the creation of new states. He argued that the South-East deserves two additional states to bring it up to par with other regions and ensure an equal distribution of states across the country. According to Okwu, this would foster unity and alleviate feelings of neglect.
He also took aim at South-East members of the House of Representatives for supporting the proposal, urging them to reconsider and rectify the imbalance. “We expect our representatives to stand up for the people of the South-East, not allow such an inequitable proposal to pass,” Okwu stated.
A Plea for Unity and Fairness
Okwu concluded his statement by calling on lawmakers to revisit the state creation proposal and address the concerns of the South-East. He stressed that any amendment to the constitution should prioritize fairness and unity, ensuring that no region is left behind or unfairly treated.
As the debate over the proposed state creation continues, the Ohanaeze Youth Council is steadfast in its call for a fairer approach to the distribution of states, which they believe is crucial to fostering national cohesion and lasting unity.
