Distinguished guests, esteemed members of civil society organizations, and respected members of the press, it is our pleasure to welcome you most fraternally to this press conference. Your presence here today signifies the importance of our collective and the shared commitment we have towards the good of our society. It is fitting that we take this opportunity to once again discuss the current state of our beloved Nation, Nigeria. 

As we gathered here, we are reminded of the rich tapestry of our history, woven together by the dreams, struggles, and aspirations of countless individuals who have come before us. Today, we stand at a pivotal moment, one that calls for reflection, action, and unity. The unfolding events within our country impose a significant historical responsibility upon us to advocate for our nation and its cherished citizens. We are witnessing challenges that test the very fabric of our democracy, our social cohesion, and our shared values. It is imperative that we engage in open and honest conversations about these issues, recognizing that our strength lies in our diversity and our ability to come together in pursuit of common goals.

The Macabre Dance of State Creation

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. Should this proposal be ratified, it would increase the total number of states from the current 36 to 67. This initiative raises significant concerns regarding its rationale and the potential implications for the country as a whole.

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. The soaring unemployment rate has left millions without jobs, contributing to widespread poverty and social unrest. Additionally, the Naira’s diminishing value has made it increasingly difficult for families to afford basic necessities, while the notable decline in GDP per capita indicates a shrinking economy that is failing to provide adequate opportunities for its citizens. Furthermore, escalating insecurity has become a pervasive issue, with many Nigerians living in fear of violence and instability.

In light of these challenges, it is particularly alarming that federal lawmakers have chosen to focus their efforts on increasing the number of states rather than addressing the urgent economic and social issues facing the nation. This decision raises questions about the priorities of those in power and whether they are truly in touch with the realities of the lives of ordinary Nigerians. The current economic climate has left many citizens struggling to make ends meet, and the government’s focus on state creation seems to divert attention from the pressing need for effective governance and policy reform.

Moreover, the proposal to create additional states could have far-reaching implications for the distribution of resources and governance in Nigeria. The establishment of new states may lead to increased administrative costs and further strain the already limited financial resources of the federal and state governments. Instead of fostering development and addressing the root causes of the nation’s problems, this initiative could exacerbate existing inequalities and create new challenges in governance.

Lawmakers, who profess to represent the interests of the populace, appear to be disconnected from these pressing realities. Their focus on state creation, rather than on implementing policies that would alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, raises concerns about their commitment to the welfare of the people they serve. It is essential for elected officials to prioritize the needs of their constituents and work towards solutions that address the fundamental issues affecting the nation, rather than pursuing initiatives that may serve their political interests.

At the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), we view the recent actions taken by the House of Representatives as yet another significant instance of grand deception and distraction that undermines the trust of the Nigerian populace. This initiative, which ostensibly aims to address the creation of new states, starkly reflects a troubling misallocation of priorities and a profound insensitivity to the myriad struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians. It is disheartening to witness elected officials, who are meant to represent the interests of their constituents, engaging in such tactics that seem more focused on political maneuvering than on genuine governance.

We interpret this proposal as a calculated strategy designed to mislead unsuspecting citizens into rallying behind the All-Progressive Congress (APC) as the 2027 General Elections draw near. The timing and nature of this initiative suggest that its proponents are fully aware of its impracticality and the challenges that lie ahead. The process may be initiated with much fanfare, but we anticipate that it will ultimately be stalled as the elections approach, conveniently justified by the need to take a recess for election activities. This tactic serves to create a false sense of hope among those residing in the proposed ‘new states’, leading them to believe that their support for the APC will somehow translate into the realization of state creation.

Moreover, we have already begun to witness a concerning trend in which lawmakers elected under opposition parties are defecting to the ruling APC. This shift appears to be driven by a belief that only the APC’s majority can provide the necessary political clout to secure a state for their constituents. Such defections not only undermine the democratic process but also highlight the lengths to which some politicians will go to align themselves with the ruling party, often at the expense of their original commitments to their constituents.

In light of these developments, we urge the Nigerian public to remain vigilant and discerning. It is crucial to critically assess the motivations behind such proposals and to recognize them for what they are—political tactics aimed at consolidating power rather than addressing the genuine needs and aspirations of the people. The sufferings faced by Nigerians are real and pressing, and it is imperative that our elected officials prioritize meaningful solutions over deceptive distractions. As we approach the 2027 elections, we call on citizens to demand accountability and transparency from their leaders, ensuring that the focus remains on the issues that truly matter to the Nigerian populace.

However, the sole aspect of the proposal that we believe merits serious consideration by our legislators is the constitutional recognition of Abuja as the 37th State within the Nigerian federation. This recognition would not only symbolize the inclusion of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within the broader national framework but also address the pressing concerns of the indigenous people (the original inhabitants, OIs). Currently, the original inhabitants, OIs grapple with a myriad of challenges, including statelessness, which leaves them without the rights and privileges afforded to citizens of recognized states. Additionally, they face landlessness, as many have been displaced from their ancestral lands due to urban development and government policies. This situation has led to political marginalization, where their voices and needs are often overlooked in the national discourse, and economic hardship, as they struggle to access basic services and opportunities for livelihood.

Furthermore, we hold the view that any constitutional amendment regarding the structure of Nigeria’s federation should not only focus on the recognition of Abuja but also aim at significantly reducing the size of the government apparatus. A leaner government would help lower the cost of governance, making it more efficient and responsive to the needs of the citizens. In this regard, legislators should prioritize a return to a regional system, which would involve utilizing the six geopolitical zones as federal entities. This approach would not only promote regional autonomy but also foster a sense of ownership and accountability among the local populations. 

Accompanying this shift should be a comprehensive devolution of powers and resources from the central government to these regional entities. By empowering the regions, we can ensure that governance is more localized, allowing for policies and initiatives that are better tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each area. This would also encourage healthy competition among the regions, driving innovation and development while reducing the over-reliance on federal allocations.

This will take care of some of the economically unviable states, who merely baby feed from the federal purse. It is fact that most of the existing states can barely meet the basic obligation of paying workers’ salaries, talk more of providing infrastructure and key social services such as education and healthcare without waiting for allocation from the federation account. Creating additional states will not only increase the size of government and the cost of governance, but will further put pressure on the federation account, thereby compounding the problems of those states which solely depend on allocation from it for their survival.

In conclusion, the constitutional acknowledgment of Abuja as a state, coupled with a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s governance system, holds significant promise for addressing the long-standing issues of marginalization and inefficiency that have plagued the nation. This move could pave the way for a more equitable distribution of resources and political power, ultimately fostering a more just and prosperous society for all Nigerians. By recognizing Abuja’s status as a state, we can ensure that the unique needs and aspirations of its residents are adequately represented and addressed within the broader national framework.

Therefore, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education(CHRICED) strongly encourages the National Assembly to revisit the proposal for the creation of additional states, as suggested by the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. While we acknowledge that constitutional review has become a lucrative industry for the National Assembly since 2003, especially when election approaches, it is crucial to highlight that this process has often occurred at the expense of denying citizens right to shape a constitution that genuinely reflects their needs and aspirations. The focus should not merely be on the creation of new states but rather on ensuring that the existing governance structures are effective, accountable, and responsive to the challenges faced by the populace.

Recommendations

We urge legislators to prioritize pressing matters that significantly impede Nigeria’s advancement. Among these issues are:

1. Widespread corruption remains a critical barrier to progress, undermining public trust and diverting resources away from essential services. Fighting a decisive war against corruption is a sure way of guaranteeing the economic survival of Nigeria.
2. Tackling pervasive insecurity is also paramount, as it affects the daily lives of Nigerians and hinders economic activities. The government must adopt a multifaceted approach to enhance security, ensuring that citizens can live and work without fear.
3. Implementing thorough electoral reforms is equally vital to ensure that the democratic process is transparent, fair, and inclusive, allowing citizens to exercise their rights effectively.
4. Furthermore, combating unemployment is essential for fostering economic stability and growth. The government must create an environment conducive to job creation, particularly for the youth, who represent a significant portion of the population. 
5. Lowering governance costs is another crucial area that requires attention; by streamlining operations and reducing waste, the government can allocate more resources to development initiatives that directly benefit citizens.
6. Additionally, alleviating economic hardship is essential for improving the quality of life for many Nigerians. This includes addressing issues such as excessive taxation and unjustified bank charges, which disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of our society.

Finally, we urge all Nigerians, regardless of their backgrounds or social standings, to take decisive action in order to avert the rapid descent into a one-party system that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. It is crucial for every citizen to recognize the importance of their voice and participation in the political process, as history has shown us that a one-party system stifles diversity and inclusivity. 

When a single party dominates the political landscape, it creates an environment where dissenting opinions are silenced, and alternative viewpoints are marginalized. This lack of pluralism not only diminishes the richness of our democratic discourse but also leads to the erosion of fundamental democratic values such as freedom of expression, accountability, and the rule of law. 

Moreover, the consolidation of power within a single party can pave the way for authoritarianism, where leaders become unchallenged and unaccountable to the people. This trajectory often results in the rise of dictatorship, where the rights and freedoms of citizens are systematically violated, leading to chaos and instability. 

Nigerians must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the democratic gains we have fought so hard to achieve. We cannot afford to revert to the arduous journey we have endured under oppressive military regimes, where our voices were silenced, and our rights were trampled upon. The sacrifices made by countless individuals in the struggle for democracy must not be in vain. 

It is imperative that we foster a political environment that encourages competition, dialogue, and collaboration among diverse groups. By actively participating in the democratic process—whether through voting, advocacy, or community engagement—we can ensure that our democracy remains vibrant and representative of all Nigerians. 

Let us stand together, united in our commitment to uphold the principles of democracy, protect our rights, and ensure that our political landscape remains open and inclusive for generations to come. The future of our nation depends on our collective action and determination to prevent the rise of a one-party system.

Thank you for your attention. 

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!