Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has called for the creation of additional states in the South-East geopolitical zone to address what he described as structural imbalance in Nigeria's federal system.
The governor made this appeal while receiving members of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru highlighted that the South-East is the only region among Nigeria's six geopolitical zones with just five states, a situation he believes could foster resentment among the people.
Addressing Regional Imbalance
"To end regional squabbles permanently, I urge the National Assembly to ensure marginalization and structural imbalances are constitutionally addressed," Nwifuru stated.
"Out of the six geo-political zones in the country, only this region has five states, a development that can trigger resentment amongst the people," he added.
The governor also advocated for the rotation of the presidency among the six geopolitical zones to ensure equity and fairness in Nigeria's political landscape.
"That the South-East geo-political zone has not occupied the position of the President since 1999 is an injustice. What is the essence of the geo-political zone structure if the office of the president cannot be tested by all the zones?" he questioned.
Constitutional Reforms
Governor Nwifuru further called for a review of Section 308 of the constitution to extend immunity to legislative leaders, including the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Deputy, as well as Speakers and Deputy Speakers of State Assemblies.
He also renewed his support for state police, dismissing concerns that governors might misuse such powers.
In response, the leader of the Senate Committee delegation, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who is also the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, explained that the committee was in the zone for a public hearing on the constitutional review.
"Due to growing concerns that there is need to further review the constitution to meet the demands of Nigerians, the public hearing was conducted," Nwebonyi said.
He assured that the committee would ensure no section of the country is disadvantaged in the review process.
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