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Agitation For the Creation Of 31 More States: Politics Or Development?An Exercise in Futility Unless There Is Consensus – renowned Political Scientist.

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Abbas Yushau Yusuf

Last week the Nigerian House of Representatives during its plenary session told the nation that it received the proposal for the creation of more states numbering thirty-one.

Currently, Nigeria has a 36-state structure and if the proposed thirty-one are added the states will be 67. Nigeria started with three regions and has been restructured by the military and for over 64 years the agitation did not die down.

On February 5th, 2025 the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution announced on Thursday, that it has received 31 proposals for the creation of new states across the six geopolitical zones.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read a letter from the committee during plenary, outlining the conditions that must be met before any state creation requests can be approved.

According to the letter, the proposals include five from the North Central, four from the North East, five from the North West, five from the South East, four from the South-South, and seven from the South West.

Among the states being considered are Okun, Okura, and Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala and Apa (Benue); FCT State; Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); and Muri (Taraba).

The states also include New Kaduna state and Gujarat states from Kaduna state; Tiga and Ari from Kano, and Kainji from Kebbi state; Etiti and Orashi as the 6th state in the South East, Adada from Enugu, Orlu, and Aba from the South East.

They also include Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers; Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, and Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun, Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun states.

According to the letter, Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution as amended outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation.

The letter said “a request to the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if a request supported by at least the third majority of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the Local Government Council in respect of the area, is received by the National Assembly.

But in an exclusive interview with a renowned Nigerian Political Scientist with Kano state college of Arts and Science, CAS Kano
Dr. Kabiru Saidu Sufi and a traditional title holder of Marafan Dambatta said unless there is consensus it will be an exercise in futility.

“I think like you rightly said states have become a recurring issue in Nigerian politics overtime there have been this agitation, the more states you create the more agitation, you are likely going to have from all quarters and this one is not a new one, and there have been the debate of whether the creation of states will be beneficial or not. The proponents in practice and in theory believe if you create more states, you are creating more avenues to which you will bring government closer to the people, because as it is the size of some of the states is so large and they believe that if some of these states are broken down they will bring government closer to the people, and there is also the issue of administrative efficiency and you know some people that believe if you create more states these states are more viable and you will have more administrative efficiency and thirdly there are those who believe these states are serving as a future training ground for national leaders, so they will go to the federal level and they say most of them start from the states, so some people believe that the more states you have the more training ground you are creating, for future leaders so, then on the other hand there are those people who believe the creator of states is detrimental to political development, for example they believe you are further disuniting people than uniting them, the more states you have the more divided Nigerians are, so there are those who believe we should have few states and they say let’s even go back to the regions, so that Nigerians will have more sense of unity, and some see the states as an avenue where money is being spent, rather than saving which they say we are creating avenues for spending more money than saving, and when you spend more money is not, and there are those that see the more you create the states the more you are bringing further agitations, and there is even this debate whether it’s possible to even create states under civilian dispensation especially taking into consideration the fact that in the past all states were created during the military regime and so there is this issue of constitutional procedure of creating more states, which is not an easy exercise in which Section 19 has laid down procedures which you can amend the constitution for which you can create states and amend borders and this is a very conversant process ranging from getting the two third majority in the two federal chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives and then the two third majority of the 36 states houses of assembly and in some cases there are serious issues, and there is also involvement of getting the four fifth of the states Houses of Assembly and no matter one will look at it and see that it is not an easy exercise and is something that requires a very rigorous procedure and that may not necessarily be easy to satisfy and in that regard one can say is an exercise in futility and no matter the agitation at the end of the day it does not become a reality and the only way we can make it a reality is to have a lead consensus and when the leadership of the country agree to the desirability of the creation of the states then probably they will find a way of making it easier and when there is no lead consensus you find it to be an exercise in futility.”

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Vice President Shettima Calls for Unity Among Kano’s Political Gladiators

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged political leaders in Kano State to set aside their differences and prioritize the development and unity of the state.

Speaking in Hausa to emphasize his message, Shettima called on members of the Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya factions to remember the bonds of kinship that unite them and to avoid letting political disagreements create divisions.

The Vice President made this plea during a condolence visit to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the Kano State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas. The visit was in honor of the late Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sunusi. Addressing an audience that included prominent political figures from both factions, Shettima stressed the importance of harmony in a state as influential as Kano.

“Kano is a model for the entire nation,” Shettima remarked. “It is disheartening to see political differences lead to discord. Kano is the heart of the North, and what affects Kano affects the entire region.”

In a poignant moment, Shettima acknowledged his own linguistic limitations, stating, “Though I am not a native Hausa speaker, I have made an effort to deliver this message in Hausa so that it resonates deeply with you.”

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The Vice President also offered prayers for the late Galadiman Kano, expressing hope that he rests in paradise. Additionally, he extended his condolences to the families of those affected by recent bandit attacks in Shanono, where lives were lost and a water vendor was kidnapped.

“We pray for peace in Nigeria and across the world,” Shettima concluded, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure stability and progress.

 

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APC Persons With Disabilities Reject Kwankwaso’s Return to APC

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The APC Persons with Disabilities Support Organization in Kano State has publicly rejected the potential return of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This announcement was made by Comrade Aminu Muazu Fagge, Chairman of the organization, during a press briefing at the Kano Press Centre.

Comrade Fagge emphasized that the organization’s stance reflects the collective interests of its members and their commitment to preserving the party’s stability, prosperity, and unity. He stated, “Kwankwaso’s self-interest would undermine the party’s peace and success, treating APC like his personal company, similar to his past parties.”

Reaffirming Loyalty to Party Leadership

The organization reiterated its unwavering loyalty to the APC leadership under Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and Hon. Abdullahi Abbas Sanusi. Comrade Fagge praised their leadership, describing it as a true embodiment of the party’s values and principles.

Welcoming Genuine Supporters

While rejecting Kwankwaso’s return, the organization expressed its openness to welcoming individuals who genuinely contribute to the growth of the APC. “APC is not one person’s property; it’s a great party for all good citizens of Nigeria,” Fagge remarked, underscoring the organization’s zero tolerance for discord.

Prioritizing Party Unity and Stability

The APC Persons with Disabilities Support Organization reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the unity, stability, and prosperity of the APC. This, they believe, is essential for the party’s continued success and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Appreciation for APC’s Inclusive Approach

The organization also lauded the APC’s inclusive approach, which empowers Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through various welfare initiatives under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. Comrade Fagge expressed gratitude for these efforts, highlighting their positive impact on the lives of PWDs.

 

In closing, the organization extended its appreciation to all supporters and stakeholders, declaring, “Long live Nigeria! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Long live APC! Long live President Ahmed Bola Tinubu!”

 

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Hajj 2025: Let’s build United front for hitch free exercise, AHMSP urges stakeholders

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The Association of Hajj Media Support Professionals (AHMSP) has advocated unhindered support and harmonious relationships among stakeholders in Hajj industry in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims.

AHMSP, a non-profit interest group of media professionals in Nigeria, urged relevant and key players in the industry to support the preparation and tireless efforts of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to guarantee seamless pilgrimage this year.

The Professionals who monitor and report Hajj activities concerning Nigerian pilgrims, are worried about the flood of negative thoughts and sponsored media articles around the Hajj regulator of recent, even as activities for 2025 Hajj are gathering momentum.

In a statement signed by Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta, National Coordinator, AHMSP believed that, at a peak period when upbeat swing for 2025 Hajj speaks volume, throwing a spanner in the wheel of progress, for whatever motives, should be discouraged by all.

Instead, AHMSP urged stakeholders to consider the significance of Hajj exercise as a sacred call to serve Almighty Allah, above other mundane and peculiar interests, adding that derailing sensitive activities at this material time earns no one any meaningful gain.

AHMSP cited the tremendous achievements recorded so far ahead of airlift of pilgrims commencement, insisting that NAHCON, under the tutelage of Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh, deserves commendation from the expanded stakeholders.

The group called on interested parties to refrain from constituting any act capable of frustrating NAHCON’s preparation to transport over 52,000 Nigerians to Saudi Arabia for the spiritual exercise .

” It is no longer strange that Hajj exercise and activities around the Nigerian Hajj house are attracting a wide range of media outreach. In other words, the loud ovation symbolizes the significance of hajj in Nigerian context.

“AHMSP has monitored activities of NAHCON and preparation for hajj 2025 in the last month and came to the realization of tremendous achievements recorded so far by the commission under the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh.

” We have seen how the present NAHCON board disbursed refunds from Saudi Arabia, monies for poor and non-rendered service to Nigerian pilgrims in previous hajj. Professor Saleh, instructed for prompt and immediate disbursement of the funds to all affected 2023 pilgrims. This act signified utmost transparency and fear of Allah.

” AHMSP also took cognisance of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman’s diligence in negotiating a downward review of the cost of services and eventually securing discounts on accommodation, transportation, feeding and other services at Masha’ir. This development led to drastic drop in the overall Hajj fare for 2025 against the expectations of higher fare courtesy of the uncertainty of forex rate in the country.

” Against all odds, the Commission also took responsibility and secured accommodations for private tours ahead of the deadline, even when the operators could not raise funds for the service.

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