Introduction to State Creation in Nigeria
Nigeria’s democratic journey should embrace the creation of more states to achieve true federal balance and deepen grassroots governance, according to Sen. Diket Plang (Plateau Central). In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Plang emphasized the need for the creation of additional states to bring governance closer to the people.
The Need for State Creation
The National Assembly is currently reviewing the 1999 Constitution, considering 69 bills, including 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government proposals. Plang noted that all existing states were created under military regimes, urging civilian administrations to take similar bold steps. He stated, "My prayer is that our democratic government, for once, should be able to create additional states." The senator argued that population growth and expanding constituencies make new administrative units necessary to bring governance closer to the people.
Benefits of State Creation
Plang, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, said population pressure justified such restructuring. "When the population becomes too large, it becomes necessary to divide areas again so that governance can be closer to the people," he added. He acknowledged financial implications but insisted the need remained pressing. "Nigeria has grown, and it’s time we considered more states," Plang said.
Proposals for State Creation
Commenting on proposals suggesting one new state per geo-political zone, Plang said fairness and necessity should guide the process. "I was pleased with one proposal from the South-South, where people from three states are coming together to form a new one," he said. "They’re not dividing a single state but merging communities from a common boundary to create a new one. Until we see details, there’s no need for complaints." He said balanced representation would strengthen national unity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sen. Diket Plang’s call for the creation of more states in Nigeria is based on the need to achieve true federal balance and deepen grassroots governance. With the National Assembly reviewing the 1999 Constitution and considering state creation requests, it is essential to prioritize fairness and necessity in the process. Creating more states can bring governance closer to the people, address population pressure, and strengthen national unity.
FAQs
- Q: Why does Sen. Diket Plang think Nigeria needs more states?
A: Sen. Plang believes that creating more states will bring governance closer to the people and address population pressure. - Q: How many state creation requests are being considered by the National Assembly?
A: The National Assembly is considering 55 state creation requests. - Q: What is the proposed approach to state creation?
A: One proposal suggests creating one new state per geo-political zone, but Plang emphasizes that fairness and necessity should guide the process. - Q: What are the potential benefits of creating more states in Nigeria?
A: Creating more states can bring governance closer to the people, address population pressure, and strengthen national unity.
