Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged the creation of an additional state in the South-East to address the region’s underrepresentation compared to other geopolitical zones, which each have at least six states. He also advocated for a rotational presidency and the introduction of state police to promote fairness and improve national security.
Speaking during a visit by the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment at the Government House in Enugu, Mbah stressed the need for these changes ahead of a regional public hearing on constitutional reforms. The hearing is set to take place at the International Conference Centre in Enugu.
“The South-East faces an imbalance, being the only zone with just five states. This must be corrected in the ongoing amendment process,” Mbah said. He also emphasized the necessity of state police, calling it a long-overdue measure to tackle rising security threats. “Establishing state police would be a major step forward in our constitutional framework,” he added.
On rotational presidency, Mbah argued that it would ensure all regions, including the South-East, have a fair chance to lead the country, fostering national unity.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, leader of the Senate delegation, stated that the committee was in Enugu to gather South-East perspectives for the constitutional review. He acknowledged widespread dissatisfaction with the 1999 Constitution, which was drafted under military rule and is seen as unrepresentative of Nigeria’s diversity.
“This public hearing offers the South-East a chance to address key grievances, particularly the issue of state allocation,” Nwebonyi said, recognizing concerns over the region’s marginalization.
The Enugu hearing is expected to solidify these proposals as part of broader efforts to amend Nigeria’s constitution.
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