31 new states proposal political deception – CHRICED

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has said the proposed creation of 31 new states will strangulate the Nigerian economy.

The executive director of the centre, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, on Thursday in Abuja told reporters that the move is a macabre dance and strategy for political deception and distraction.

He said this in reaction to the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review’s proposal after receiving requests for the creation of 31 new states across Nigeria to improve regional representation.

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If the proposal scales through, the restructuring will increase the number of states in Nigeria from 36 to 67, surpassing the United States’ current 50-state system.

While supporters believe this will enhance governance and resource distribution, critics warn of increased administrative costs and constitutional hurdles.

He said the new states may lead to increased administrative cost and further strain the already limited resources of the federal and state governments, as it would exacerbate existing inequalities and create new challenges in governance.

He urged the lawmakers to focus on addressing urgent economic and social issues facing the nation and be in touch with realities of the lives of ordinary Nigerians, thus the need for the proposal needed to be halted.

“Recently, Nigerians were confronted with the unsettling news regarding the Federal House of Representatives Committee’s proposal to amend the 1999 Constitution by creating an additional 31 states across the six geopolitical zones of the nation.

“The proposal to increase the number of states comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a multitude of pressing socio-economic challenges. The nation is currently experiencing hyperinflation, which has severely eroded the purchasing power of its citizens,” Zikirullahi said.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and discerning, as it is crucial to critically assess the motivations behind such proposals and to recognise them as political tactics aimed at consolidating power rather than addressing the genuine needs and aspirations of the people.