Apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has opposed the proposals for the creation of additional 31 states in the country as proposed by the House of Representatives.
Ohanaeze demanded that the imbalance in the number of states between the north and the south should be addressed first, before the creation of more states.
In a statement on Sunday, the factional Deputy National President of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, insisted that for the sake of equity and justice, two additional states should be created in the south to balance the numbers in the north, making it 19 states each.
He noted that the proposal is an exercise in futility, characterized by a blatant lack of credibility and a fundamental misunderstanding of the criteria essential for establishing viable political entities.
Isiguzoro maintained that the suggestion to create an unwieldy number of new states is premature and displays a level of immaturity unbecoming of the representatives.
He stated that the proposals do nothing but cast a shadow over the stature of the House of Representatives and compromises its essential role in governance.
Ohanaeze reaffirmed its position that any discourse regarding state creation must prioritise the southern region of Nigeria, which has been historically under-represented with 17 states, whereas the north has 19 states—an imbalance, he described as unacceptable.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to summon the political will and moral strength necessary to correct this long standing imbalance in state representation.
Isiguzoro stressed that the political and economic advantages enjoyed by the north, due in large part to its 19 states, must be counter-balanced by the creation of two additional states in the south.
“The northern region, currently endowed with 19 states—a configuration established by past military regimes—benefits from an unfair numerical advantage that has led to systemic inequities.
“This disparity has long been employed as a strategic instrument of intimidation against the governance and development of the southern populace.
“In this context, we urgently appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to summon the political will and moral strength necessary to correct this longstanding imbalance in state representation.
Read also: Gunmen abduct Ohanaeze Youth Council President, Igboayaka, in Owerri
“The political and economic advantages enjoyed by the north, due in large part to its 19 states, must be counter-balanced by the creation of two additional states in the south.
“Our immediate recommendation is that the first of these new states be established in the South-East, which currently consists of just five states. It is imperative that the South-East achieves parity with other geopolitical zones, particularly the North West, which boasts seven states.
“Moreover, we propose that the allocation of the second new state be judiciously considered for either the South West or the South-South region.
“This strategic adjustment is not merely a numeric correction; it represents a critical step toward addressing the long-standing grievances of the southern populace and fostering a more equitable distribution of power across the federation.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving fairness and equity for our people. We assert that the time has come for President Tinubu to take decisive action and create two additional states within the southern region. It is a clarion call for justice, equality, and national unity,” Ohanaeze said.