Calls for structural justice, inclusive governance, and true federalism dominated discussions at the South-East Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held at the Eze Imo Palace in Owerri, Imo State. Key regional leaders—Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Governor Alex Otti of Abia, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu—presented distinct yet intersecting visions for constitutional reform, each anchored in the region’s historical concerns and Nigeria’s evolving national reality.
Leading the charge for equity in state creation, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, renewed the call for the establishment of at least two new states in the South-East to address what he termed “persistent and institutional marginalization” of the region.
“It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity,” Uzodinma declared. “We deserve at least two more states, including Anim State, which has the economic viability to become oil-producing and self-sustaining.”
He stressed that the South-East remains the only geopolitical zone with five states, while other zones have six or more, resulting in underrepresentation in the National Assembly, federal appointments, and revenue sharing formulas.
In addition to state creation, Uzodinma advocated for the institutionalization of rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, a state policing system, and a modernized definition of indigene status to include people born in or long-term residents of a community.
“These reforms are not just political—they are moral imperatives that will promote equity, security, and national unity,” he said, noting that while the 1999 Constitution need not be discarded entirely, it must be “continuously refined to match the aspirations of modern Nigeria.”
Offering a cautionary perspective, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, urged restraint in the push for new states. He acknowledged the South-East’s underrepresentation but warned that indiscriminate state creation could inflate government costs and deepen inefficiencies.
“Creating more states may sound like a solution, but without independent revenue streams, it risks bloating our already strained bureaucracy,” Otti said.
Instead, he proposed strengthening inclusive governance at the sub-national level, empowering all communities through better resource distribution and participatory decision-making. He also strongly supported the establishment of state police, describing it as “a matter of national urgency,” but emphasized the need for clear regulatory safeguards to prevent abuse.
Otti threw his weight behind gender-inclusive reforms, calling for the creation of legislative seats for women—but warned against tokenism.
“Women must not be placeholders or political proxies. We need real integration through reformed internal party processes,” he asserted.
The governor also supported constitutional backing for free and compulsory basic education, citing it as a cornerstone for long-term national development. He highlighted how previous constitutional reforms have enabled Abia’s electricity independence, including the creation of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency, as an example of the value of targeted, practical reforms.
Declaring the event open, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, called on Nigerians to take full ownership of the amendment process.
“This is your Constitution. You are not observers; you are co-authors of Nigeria’s next constitutional chapter,” Kalu told the gathering.
He urged stakeholders from Imo and Abia states to submit memoranda, raise critical questions, and remain engaged beyond the hearings. Kalu emphasized that constitutional reform is a process, not a one-time event.
“True reform requires sustained civic pressure. Only through active public involvement can we ensure these changes are implemented in both letter and spirit.”
Kalu reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to reviewing over 80 proposed amendments, including those addressing local government autonomy, electoral transparency, judicial independence, fiscal federalism, and gender equality.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for fostering what he described as a “reform-friendly environment,” enabling legislators to engage the nation in transformative conversations.
The Owerri public hearing, part of a nationwide consultation spearheaded by the 10th National Assembly, reflected the dynamic mix of hope, concern, and urgency surrounding Nigeria’s constitutional future. While leaders like Uzodinma push for bold structural realignments, others like Otti emphasize pragmatism and institutional sustainability.
Yet in their differences, one message rang clear: the Constitution must evolve—through dialogue, participation, and shared vision—to reflect the realities, dreams, and diversity of all Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the Southeast Zonal Public Hearing on Constitution Review held in Enugu, delegates from Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states made a powerful case for structural reforms aimed at correcting longstanding imbalances in Nigeria’s federal system. The event, hosted by the House of Representatives’ Constitution Review Committee (Centre A), was dominated by calls for the creation of an additional state in the Southeast and expansion of local government structures.
The loudest demand from participants was the urgent need for a sixth state in the region—currently the only geopolitical zone in the country with just five states. Stakeholders argued that the inequality has translated into limited political representation and federal resources for the region.
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, urged the National Assembly to ensure the review exercise produces tangible outcomes rather than becoming a ceremonial process. “This should not end up as another talk show,” Onyia emphasized, stressing that Nigerians are yearning for real constitutional change.
Beyond state creation, speakers from across the three states demanded the establishment of new Local Government Areas (LGAs) in line with population growth and rising administrative demands. Many decried the practice of appointing caretaker committees to manage LGAs, calling instead for full democratic governance at the grassroots.
Participants also presented several high-impact reform proposals, including:
Full institutionalization of local government administration;
Judicial reforms to accommodate Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms;
Integration of the national voter register with the National Identity Management System (NIMC) to improve electoral integrity;
Creation of reserved seats for women in legislative bodies;
A comprehensive review of the revenue allocation formula to promote fairness among states and regions.
The public hearing drew wide participation from civil society groups, traditional rulers, political leaders, and community-based organizations, all rallying for an inclusive and truly federal Nigeria.
As the Constitution Review Committee continues its nationwide consultations, the expectations from the Southeast are clear: equity, inclusion, and a structure that reflects the realities of modern governance.
Proposed states under consideration for creation in Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone include Aba State, Orashi State, Orlu State, Anioma State, Etiti State, Adada State, and Anim State, among others.
