A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, says the proposed creation of new states in the ongoing constitution review at the National Assembly is long overdue.
Ogundipe (APC-Oshodi/Isolo 1) made this known in an interview with NAN in Lagos on Sunday.
NAN reports that the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has put forward a proposal for the creation of 31 additional states across the country.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, spoke of the proposal during plenary on Thursday in Abuja.
Kalu said if approved, the move would significantly alter the country’s political and administrative landscape, increasing the total number of states from 36 to 67.
The deputy speaker said the proposed states seek to address demands for greater representation, economic viability, and regional balance in governance.
Reacting, Ogundipe said the last time new states were created was on Oct. 1, 1996 ,during the time of the military administration of late Gen. Sani Abacha.
He said some states were too large and massive, hence the need for additional states for administrative purposes.
The lawmaker said that getting more states meant spreading development across the country.
“The new states would take infrastructural and economic growth deeper into the nooks and crannies, thereby bringing governance closer to the people, you will agree with me, it is long overdue.
“However ,talking about feasibility, I feel strongly that the proposal would have undergone processes , therefore coming up with that number,the proposal cannot be faulted.
“Rather, we should continue to look at how we can holistically develop every part of the country, so that every Nigerian citizen would have that sense of belonging,” he said.
Ogundipe argued that even America, under President Donald Trump, craved for additional states.
He said fears about the prospect of additional states or fear of everyone wanting their own state for political reasons were expected.
Ogundipe said the major focus should be that those that would be in charge should be patriotic to ensure resources allocated to their states were justifiably allocated to critical sectors for even development
He added that the new states ,if created,should also look inward for resources to reduce dependence reliance on federal allocation
Ogundipe said the economic concern of the country would be addressed by those that would pilot the creation, and prospects would be achieved in the long run.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
VIDEO; Frank Edoho Weighs In On Mercy Chinwo, Eezee Tee's Feud
Which Is More Important To You? Your Wife Or Ministry? – Mike Bamiloye Queries Colleagues
“My Love Left Me Crying” -Mr Eazi Surprises Temi Otedola For Her 29th Birthday
Nigerian Fraudster Spared Deportation After Judge Ruled Healthcare System In Nigeria Couldn't Meet Medical Needs Of His Wife And Children
BBNaija Star, BamBam Calls Out Nigerian Police As She Shares Recent Encounter
Everyone Should Stay Away From Crime - Kidnapper Laments As Edo Govt Demolishes His House