The North West has demanded for the creation of eight additional states in the region as debate on the review of the 1999 Constitution continues.

Stakeholders from the zone made the demand during a two-day public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution in Kano at the weekend.

The North West currently has seven states. They are Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and Jigawa.

Daily Trust reports that thousands of citizens participated in the two-day public hearing where they submitted their inputs for consideration.

The 10th National Assembly has embarked on public hearings across the six geo-political zones to get inputs for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

Recall that the House of Representatives Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution has already concluded its public hearings across the six geo-political zones. It held a public hearing for the North West in Kaduna where agitations for the creation of more states formed part of the debate.

The Kano State Government?s Committee also met last Thursday and harmonised the state?s position ahead of the Senate Committee?s public hearing held at the weekend.

Tiga State

Those advocating for the creation of Tiga State said the demand dates back to the Second Republic, adding that the proposed state comprises the entire Kano South Senatorial District and one additional local government from Kano Central.

They stressed that all legal and constitutional requirements for state creation had been fulfilled and submitted.

?The people have unanimously agreed on Gwarzo as the capital due to its central location and available infrastructure. We urge the committee to consider this historic and well-supported demand,? one of the delegates to the public hearing said.

Ghari State

Representatives pushing for Ghari State highlighted the disparity in senatorial representation, pointing out that Kano, despite its population, still has just one senatorial district. They cited marginalization in federal projects and political appointments as reasons the new state should be created.

?Kano was created alongside Lagos, but while Lagos has seen major political restructuring, Kano has remained unchanged. We urge the National Assembly to correct this imbalance through the creation of Ghari State,? a representative said.

Hadejia and Karadua states

Delegates calling for Hadejia and Karadua States argued that the regions possess vast agricultural potential and deserve administrative autonomy to develop independently.

?Karadua alone produces more rice and vegetables than some states. With the right leadership and autonomy, we can boost national food security and local employment,? a delegate explained.

Gurara State

The Gurara State movement emphasized the distinct cultural identity of its people and a long history of being underrepresented. They presented documents supporting their constitutional compliance, including endorsements from local lawmakers and traditional institutions.

?Our people deserve self-determination and equal political opportunity. Gurara State is a just demand backed by unity and grassroots mobilization,? leader of the movement said.

Bayajida State

Supporters of Bayajida State highlighted the increasing governance challenges faced by the current parent state due to its size and population. They argued that a new state would enhance security coordination and service delivery.

?Our request is not based on politics but on logic and the need for responsive governance. Bayajida State will allow for closer government presence and faster intervention in rural areas,? their spokesperson said.

Kainji State

Proponents of Kainji State pointed to the rich natural resources within the proposed territory, including hydropower, agriculture and fisheries. They insisted the economic base of the area makes it viable as an independent state.

?We are blessed with land, water and minerals. Kainji State can be self-sufficient and contribute significantly to the national economy,? they argued.

New Kaduna State

Those advocating for the creation of New Kaduna State made their case for equitable administrative distribution and national unity. They cited population growth and the complexities of governing the current Kaduna State as reasons for the proposed split.

?We are not asking for separation, but for administrative convenience that will foster peace and development,? a delegate said.

Kano Govt backs states creation, independent candidacy

In its submission, the Kano State Government backed the creation of additional states, state police, and independent candidacy, while opposing the decentralisation of labour matters and diaspora voting.

This was part of a comprehensive memorandum submitted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, through his Chief of Staff, Sulaiman Wali, who represented him at the event. Wali said the submission was informed by extensive consultations with stakeholders across Kano.

The Kano delegation opposed the proposed transfer of inland waterways from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list, citing national security and equity concerns. They also rejected attempts to move labour and industrial matters to the concurrent list, warning that doing so would undermine organised labour and potentially trigger unrest.

On diaspora voting, the government recommended deferring the bill due to anticipated operational challenges that could erode electoral trust.

However, the Kano State Government fully supported independent candidacy, the inclusion of more women in elective positions through affirmative action, and a new revenue-sharing formula.

It also proposed reducing the federal allocation from 52.68 to 40 percent, increasing the state share to 35 percent, and raising the local government share from 20 to 25 percent.

On the proposed separation of the Office of the Attorney General from that of the Minister/Commissioner of Justice, Kano rejected the idea, insisting on retaining the status quo.

Jigawa backs state police, LG autonomy, others

Similarly, the Jigawa State Government has declared full support for several proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution, including the creation of state police, local government autonomy, and a constitutional role for traditional rulers.

The position was presented by the state?s deputy governor, Aminu Usman, on behalf of Governor Umar Namadi.

He described the process as a critical opportunity to update the nation?s governing document to address emerging challenges and promote effective governance.

Jigawa also threw its weight behind full local government autonomy, noting that the state had already been practicing it for nearly five years by granting financial independence to LGAs.

People?s aspirations should be reflected ? Sokoto Assembly

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State House of Assembly has expressed strong support for the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, describing the process as a vital opportunity to reflect the genuine aspirations of Nigerians and strengthen the country?s democratic foundations.

Speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Gidado emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue in shaping Nigeria?s future.

?I am here today to deliver a message on behalf of the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly. This constitution review is a significant step in the journey of our democracy,? Gidado said. ?The Nigerian Constitution is not just a legal document?it is the embodiment of our collective hopes, identity, and shared destiny as a people,? he added.

He commended the National Assembly for organizing the public hearing and giving Nigerians across the geopolitical zones the opportunity to voice their concerns and ambitions for the nation.

?The House of Assembly recognizes the importance of this process. We believe it is our duty to reflect the genuine aspirations and realities of our constituents,? he said.

?As an institution with the constitutional power to approve or reject amendments, we believe it is necessary to wait until the final bills are transmitted to us officially before making specific comments.

We are listening keenly to the views expressed by stakeholders at this hearing and will take them into account when the time comes,? he added.

Katsina seeks independent candidacy, diaspora voting, others

Presenting the state?s position, a former federal permanent secretary and elder statesman, Senator Ibrahim Ida, who spoke on behalf of Governor Umar Dikko Radda, said Katsina supported local government autonomy, diaspora voting, independent candidacy, and internal democracy, while rejecting attempts to bar aggrieved aspirants from seeking redress in court.

He also called for an equitable funding formula and retention of legislative representation for all local governments.

On electoral reforms, the state backed the resolution of all litigations before officials are sworn in, continuous voter registration, and empowering tribunals to declare winners in nullified polls. However, it opposed making the Court of Appeal the court of first instance in governorship cases.

The state endorsed judicial reforms, including promotion criteria for judges and the separation of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice roles. It also called for greater constitutional roles for traditional rulers, noting their relevance to grassroots governance.

No personal agenda, Barau assures Nigerians

In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Barau Jibrin, assured Nigerians that the committee has no personal agenda or preconceived opinions to impose on the people.

Senator Barau explained that the committee is guided solely by legislative ethics, patriotism, and the collective will of Nigerians.

?Members of the committee hold no preconceived opinions to impose upon you. We are committed to being guided by the highest ethical standards, open-mindedness, and patriotism. That is why I implore all stakeholders to provide your input in accordance with these standards, while maintaining the utmost decorum and responsibility,? he said. (Daily Trust)

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