Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has called for the creation of additional states in the South-East region, saying state creation in the region address the imbalance in the geo political structure of the country.
He made the call when he received members of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Abakaliki, on Sunday
“To end regional squabbles permanently, I urge the National Assembly to ensure marginalization and structural imbalances are constitutionally addressed. Out of the six geo-political zones in the country, only this region has five states, a development that can trigger resentment amongst the people.”He said.
The Governor, who noted that the review was necessary, also advocated that the office of the President be rotated amongst the six geo-political zones of the country for equity and fairness.
“That the South East Geo-political zone has not occupied the position of the President since 1999 is an injustice. What is the essence of the geo political zone structure if the office of the president cannot be tested by all the zones?”,Nwifuru queried.
He highlighted the need to review section 308 of the constitution to also grant immunity to Senate President; Deputy Senate President; Speaker, House of Representatives and Deputy; Speakers and Deputy Speakers of State Assemblies.
He also called for a constitutional backing for state police and dismissed the insinuations that they will be misused by the governors.
The Punch
