Nigeria Boils Over State Creation: Constitution Amendment Triggers Power Tussle Across Regions

As part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, the National Assembly has begun holding zonal public hearings nationwide to gather input on critical national issues. Among the most hotly debated topics is the creation of new states and the adoption of a regional system of government—issues that have sparked passionate arguments across political and ethnic lines.

According to iReporter Online, various ethnic nationalities have presented divergent views, highlighting deep-rooted interests and historical grievances.

One such view comes from the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), which warns against the indiscriminate creation of new states. The council argues that past efforts have fragmented national unity and shifted focus from regional development.

According to iReporter Online, YCE strongly supports restructuring and regionalism as the true path to progress, not further balkanisation.

Meanwhile, voices from the North, like the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), are advocating for more states, particularly in their region. They argue that population density and vast landmass justify such demands, and that untapped agricultural and mineral resources could make new states viable. Similarly, groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo are pushing for equity, claiming that the South-East has been unfairly shortchanged with only five states.

Other groups like Afenifere and the Ijaw National Congress support restructuring over new states, while legal experts warn that creating more states could strain an already fragile economic and administrative structure.

According to iReporter Online, prominent lawyers and political analysts argue that Nigeria’s true challenge lies not in its structure but in leadership failures and inequitable governance.

As the constitutional review progresses, these clashing perspectives highlight the complexity of Nigeria’s diversity—and the critical choices ahead for its unity and development.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”