Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has criticized the recent push by some members of the House of Representatives for the creation of new states in Nigeria’s South-East region.
In an interview on Sunday in Lagos, Agbakoba described the proposal as a misplaced priority and advocated for regionalism as a solution to the country’s numerous challenges.
Background of the Proposal
The House of Representatives recently passed for second reading a bill proposing the creation of Etiti State out of parts of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states in the South-East geopolitical zone.
The bill, sponsored by Representatives Godwin Ogah, Miriam Onuoha, Kama Nkemkama, Princess Nnabuife, and Anayo Onwuegbu, was presented by Ogah (Labour Party, Abia), who argued that the establishment of Etiti State would promote balanced regional development and enhance governance.
Additionally, there have been calls for the creation of Anioma State from areas within the South-South and South-East regions.
Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta North) argued that creating Anioma State would address the perceived marginalization of the South-East by increasing its population, land mass, and resource base.
Agbakoba’s Critique
Agbakoba, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), asserted that the current 36 states in Nigeria are largely unviable.
He emphasized that instead of creating more states, Nigeria should focus on restructuring into a regional government system that reflects the country’s true diversity.
“Nigeria currently has no need for more states,” Agbakoba said.
He argued that most of the existing states are economically unsustainable and incapable of fostering infrastructural development or paying proposed minimum wages.
Call for Regionalism
Agbakoba’s stance aligns with the broader advocacy for restructuring Nigeria’s political framework to enhance economic viability and governance. By promoting regionalism, he believes the country can better address its socio-economic challenges and ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and development opportunities.
The debate over state creation versus regional restructuring continues to be a significant point of contention among Nigeria’s political stakeholders and citizens.