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From Godwin Tsa Abuja
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohamed Ndarani, has picked holes in the proposed creation of 31 additional states by the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee, saying the exclusion of Edu State from the list was an act of continued marginalisation of the Nupe people in Nigeria.
Ndarani noted that the proposal did not reflect the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Tinubu which is anchored on fairness, equity and justice.
State creation began in Nigeria on May 27, 1967, when the administration of Gen. Yakubu Gowon abolished the regional structure of the country and created 12 states.
His successor, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, created an additional seven states in 1976, which brought the total number to 19.
Gen. Ibrahim Babangida created 11 more states, bringing the number to 30 until 1996, when the late Gen.Sani Abacha added six states, making it the current 36 states.
While submitting that the creation of Edu State would serve the interests of the long marginalised Nupe people, the lawyer expressed dismay that the proposed Edu State from the present Niger State with its vast landmass and natural resources; was not mentioned among the 31 proposed states.
He argued that Niger State has everything it takes to sustain an additional state ,which was the reason behind the desire for the creation of Edu State.
“Niger State’s geographical mass is unquestionably more than that of the entire South East and equal to that of the South West. It is vast and has a variety of solid minerals.
“The proposed Edu State is a prospective oil-producing state, and would be a viable and developed state with a capital in Bida,” he said.
Ndarani noted that Niger remained the only state from which a new state has not been created, adding that Edu State would comprise various groups from the present Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states.
“Our national assembly members of Nupe origin from Kwara, Niger, and Kogi states, and the FCT should not fail to lend their support to the creation of Edu State.
“Such a position will be registered by the people of their respective communities as a colossal failure.
“The original request for Edu State was presented to the National Assembly in September 2022 by a delegation of Nupe elders, leaders and representatives from Bida, Agaie and Lapai emirates.
“The request clearly meets with the provisions of section 8 subsections 1, 2 and 3 of the 1999 constitution (as amended), which forms part of the best proposal, but was shortchanged by self-centred people and enemies of Nupe land.”
He stressed that they were motivated by the economic viability of the proposed state and the endorsement by the 2014 national conference.
“The conference recommended the creation of Edu State. However, from the list released by the House of Representatives of states to be created, Edu State was missing.
“It should be noted that any attempt by the National Assembly to exclude a genuine proposal like Edu State will be challenged in the court of law.”
