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.

The post South-East Leaders Push Divergent Constitutional Reforms first appeared on National Ambassador News.

It was an epoch making event, as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, hosted a civic reception in honor of the former Senate President, Sen Adolphus Wabara.

The reception which was held at the Trade More Event Centre, Umuahia, was well attended by PDP faithful and had political juggernauts across party lines and nation, converging to celebrate an icon and pillar of democracy in the South East region and Nigeria at large.

An array of dignitaries who graced the occasion, were the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, his Enugu State counterpart, Dr Peter Mbah and the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.

Others were former Governor Okwesirieze Nwodo of Enugu State, former Governor of Kaduna State and Secretary, PDP BoT, Ahmed Makarfi,PDP National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu and the immediate-past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu.

Former Chairman of Nigeria Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central at the Senate, former House of Representatives member who represented Arochukwu/ Ohafia, Hon Uko Nkole, former Abia State Secretary, Dr Eme Okoro and South East Vice Chairman of PDP, Ali Odefa, among a host of others.

In his remarks, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, described Sen Adolphus Wabara as a stabilizer and a pillar of democracy, who had brought his experiences to bear , creating stability of the party at various levels.

He said the reception of the political icon from South East was apt, as it would further resonate hope and breed oneness among PDP faithful.

The Acting National Chairman noted that the South East used to be the stronghold of the PDP through the efforts of the likes of Sen Wabara, expressing  confidence that the party would bounce again, taking it’s pride of place, adding that those exiting the party would all return before 2027.

He said the party is ready to take over what belongs to it, maintaining confidence that those who temporarily defected from the PDP will come back before 2027, reaffirming that the party would take over what belongs to them.

The PDP Acting National Chairman, however, urged PDP members in the Southeast to remain resolute and give their support continuously to the party, expressing optimism the party would come back sound and victorious.

Equally the Governor of Enugu state, Peter Mbah, recalled the sterling leadership qualities of Sen Wabara, particularly his days as the Senate President, adding that he succeeded in putting the South East region at the front burner with his style of leadership.

Mbah while wishing the ex Federal Lawmaker a happy 76th birthday,prayed  God to grant him long life in good health, maintaining that Sen Wabara is capable of reviving the party to victory come 2027.

Earlier, the chairman on the occasion and the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said he was very optimistic that the PDP would return to power at the centre in 2027.

He described Senator Wabara as a true democrat who had sacrificed so much to build Nigeria, adding that his emergence as the BoT Chairman of the PDP would help reposition the party for greatness.

Makinde, however, disclosed that Wabara had already restored hope in the BoT as a true conscience of the party, adding that PDP’s brighter days were ahead.

He further described Wabara as a great asset to both the country and the PDP and wished him more strength and sound health to deliver.

Meanwhile,the Governor of Abia State,Dr Alex Otti, who devoid party sentiment to join in the celebration of the political icon, described Wabara an elder statesman and a true son of Abia.

Gov Otti said he had already made up his mind to attend the event even before he was invited officially, noting that the man being celebrated has impacted and advanced the political system of Nigeria, therefore, the celebration should cut across party lines.

He said the era of politics was over and that as the Governor of the state, he should not discriminate against anybody because of party affiliations.

“Our government is a government without discrimination. After election, governance starts. I’m the Governor of all Abians, whether PDP, Labour Party, APC or any other party”.

Gov. Otti, said that Sen Wabara is a good man, with zero percent tribalistic sentiment,adding that the PDP did not make any mistake in choosing him as its BoT Chairman.

Responding, Sen Wabara appreciated the PDP for organizing such a glamorous event in his honor and for entrusting him with the responsibility to lead the BoT of the party to noble heights.

He noted that their support and trust meant the world to him and pledged to uphold the values and principles that the party stands for.

Highpoint of the occasion was a banquet organized by the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti to mark the 76th birthday anniversary of Sen Adolphus Wabara.

The post PDP Honours Ex Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, Describes Him As Pillar of Democracy In Nigeria  first appeared on National Ambassador News.