Constitution review: Uzodinma calls for two additional states in South-East, reveals his agender

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Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has advocated for the creation of two additional states in the Southeast to bring the region in line with others across the country.

He made this appeal in Owerri during his remarks at the ongoing public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

Uzodinma emphasized that constitutional reform is essential for addressing national concerns and various agitations arising from different regions of the country.

He argued that revising the constitution would provide a platform to ensure inclusivity, fairness, and justice particularly for the Southeast, a region he noted has faced historical neglect in terms of state creation.

The governor also recommended establishing a legal definition of indigeneship that recognizes individuals based on birthplace or long-term residency, aiming to foster a greater sense of belonging, regardless of one’s ethnic origin.

He went further to propose a constitutional arrangement for rotational presidency not only between the North and South but among all six geopolitical zones, to ensure balanced leadership and promote unity.

On the matter of security, Uzodinma backed the idea of decentralizing police authority, stating that local control would enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of law enforcement.

He appealed to members of the National Assembly to give serious thought to these suggestions during the constitutional review process, stressing the importance of a constitution that mirrors the values, hopes, and identity of every Nigerian.

“Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. But that strength must be harnessed through law and equity.

“Therefore, our Constitution must reflect our shared values, not just our shared borders,” Uzodinma stressed.

The governor urged the Southeast to use the opportunity presented by the constitutional review process to voice their demands constructively and reject the path of secession or violence.

He noted that the ongoing public hearing is a clear sign that democratic processes are active and can only succeed when fairness and justice are upheld.

Uzodinma concluded by clarifying that he does not support discarding the 1999 Constitution entirely but instead backs regular revisions to accommodate diverse opinions and strengthen Nigeria’s growing democracy.

“Like most constitutions around the world, ours is a work in progress.

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“Let us continue to build on it, and today’s hearing is part of that noble effort. There is no perfect Constitution anywhere in the world. This is the reason for the existence of parliaments all over the world.

“Our people in Imo and Abia States, and indeed the South East, have clear expectations. I believe the time has come to address them with urgency, sincerity, and justice,” he maintained.

On the issue of more additional States to the southeast, the Imo State Governor pointed out that  the issue has lingered for a long time, noting that the zone remains the only geopolitical zone with five States unlike others.

Uzodinma further maintained that the imbalance in State creation has led to underrepresentation of the southeast region in critical national institutions, starting from the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council.

“It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity. Therefore, it’s only fair and just that we ask for the creation of at least two additional states in the South East.

“It is my well considered submission that Anim State should be one of the new States to be created.

“This is one State that will have an oil-producing status upon creation.

“This makes it commercially viable, with sufficient revenue base to self-sustain. This should naturally go hand in hand with the creation of new local government areas for the zone,” he submitted.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, through his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, has called for a more inclusive constitution that incorporates provisions for state police and mandates free, compulsory universal basic education as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.

Speaking at the public hearing, Otti’s representative emphasized the importance of the Federal Government establishing safeguards to guide the implementation of state policing. He recommended the creation of legal frameworks, oversight bodies, and a clearly defined command structure to prevent misuse or abuse of power.

The hearing, held at the Eze Imo palace in Owerri, brought together participants from both Imo and Abia States. It was formally opened by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Benjamin Kalu.

In his address, Kalu described the constitutional review as a landmark effort aimed at shaping the nation’s future and bridging gaps in Nigeria’s legal framework, while reinforcing the foundational role of the constitution.

He explained that the Committee has, since its formation, pursued a genuinely inclusive approach, seeking to involve all sectors of society in the amendment process.

Kalu further noted that the constitution must serve as a social agreement one that captures present-day realities and represents the shared hopes, values, and goals of every Nigerian, serving as a guide for the country’s continued development.

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