South-East Deserves Two More States — Uzodinma Tells Constitution Review Panel

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has called for the creation of two additional states in the South-East to address what he described as a long-standing imbalance in state creation and political representation. He made this appeal in Owerri during a public hearing on the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

Uzodinma argued that the South-East remains the only geopolitical zone with just five states, which he said has resulted in underrepresentation in national institutions such as the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council. He maintained that the creation of at least two more states would help promote equity, inclusion, and fairness. He proposed the creation of Anim State, citing its potential as an oil-producing, economically viable entity with a sufficient revenue base to sustain itself. He also called for the establishment of additional local government areas in the region.

The Governor emphasized that the constitutional review process is vital in addressing grievances and agitations across Nigeria, particularly in the South-East. He stated that the review should be an opportunity to guarantee inclusiveness and equity for all regions. He also proposed a legal redefinition of indigeneity to be based on birth or long-term residence, rather than ancestry, in order to promote national cohesion and belonging.

Uzodinma further advocated for a rotational presidency among all six geopolitical zones—not just between North and South—as a means of ensuring national stability. On security, he backed the decentralization of police powers to allow for more responsive and effective policing at the state level.

He urged the National Assembly to seriously consider these proposals, stressing that a truly representative constitution was essential for progress. “Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. But that strength must be harnessed through law and equity. Therefore, our Constitution must reflect our shared values, not just our shared borders,” he said.

Calling on people of the South-East to participate fully in the constitutional review process, Uzodinma advised against threats of secession or violence. He encouraged the use of democratic channels to voice demands and seek redress. While rejecting calls to scrap the 1999 Constitution entirely, he supported its periodic amendment to reflect evolving national realities and expectations.

Governor Uzodinma described the constitution as a work in progress, stating, “There is no perfect Constitution anywhere in the world. This is the reason for the existence of parliaments all over the world. Our people in Imo and Abia States, and indeed the South-East, have clear expectations. I believe the time has come to address them with urgency, sincerity, and justice.”

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, also made a case for an inclusive constitution, state police, and free, compulsory basic education. He recommended that the Federal Government institute legal safeguards, oversight mechanisms, and a structured command system to prevent abuse in state policing.

The public hearing, held at Eze Imo Palace in Owerri, brought together stakeholders from Imo and Abia States. It was declared open by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu. In his remarks, Kalu described the review as a historic national exercise aimed at bridging gaps in Nigeria’s legal system and strengthening the foundation of democracy. He emphasized that the constitution must be a social contract reflecting the current realities and aspirations of every Nigerian.