In an explosive revelation, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, disclosed that none of the 31 requests for new states submitted for consideration meet the constitutional criteria. This stunning announcement was made at a two-day retreat organized for committee members in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, held from February 20 to 23, 2025.
Kalu’s statement comes as a shock to many Nigerians who have long advocated for the creation of new states to address local demands for better governance, equitable resource distribution, and political representation. The requests, which have been submitted from various regions across the country, now stand in limbo as Kalu explained that none of them met the necessary constitutional requirements outlined in Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Constitutional Hurdle: A Barrier Too High?
During the retreat, Kalu emphasized that while the requests reflected the legitimate aspirations of communities seeking more political autonomy, the proposals failed to meet the stringent constitutional standards. According to the Nigerian Constitution, the creation of states requires the support of a majority of the members of the House of Representatives, approval by a two-thirds majority of the Senate, and the approval of the majority of the affected state’s legislature. However, none of the submissions satisfied these legal prerequisites, leaving statehood advocates disillusioned.
“We’ve received 31 requests for state creation, but none of them comply with the constitutional requirements for such amendments,” Kalu stated. “The process is complex, and we cannot simply rush into decisions without adhering to the constitutional framework. This is the foundation of our democracy, and we must uphold it.”
Kalu further explained that the committee had decided to extend the deadline for submissions until March 5, 2025, allowing communities to revisit and refine their proposals. He added that there was still a possibility of extending this deadline further, depending on the results of ongoing discussions.
“The extension is meant to allow for further input, and we may extend the deadline further if the deliberations of this retreat highlight any challenges in meeting the constitutional conditions,” Kalu said.
Challenges in the Review Process
As the committee moves forward with the constitutional review process, Kalu admitted that a significant challenge faced by lawmakers was the duplication of proposed amendments. Several bills, sponsored by different lawmakers, addressed similar or identical issues, which added layers of complexity to the review process.
“In some cases, we have seen repeated proposals on the same issues. This not only creates confusion but delays progress,” he explained. To address this, the committee has organized the bills into thematic categories for better clarity and efficiency. These categories include Federal Structure and Power Devolution, Local Government Autonomy, Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, Revenue Allocation, Nigerian Police and Security Architecture, Judicial Reforms, Electoral Reforms, Gender Issues, Human Rights, and State Creation.
“The thematic approach will help us focus on the priority areas that matter most to the Nigerian people,” Kalu said. This, he added, will help the committee prioritize reforms based on national importance and legislative relevance.
A Broadening of the Review Process
Recognizing the broad implications of constitutional amendments on Nigeria’s electoral laws, Kalu revealed that the committee has engaged with the leadership of both the House and Senate Committees on Electoral Matters. Given the close relationship between constitutional amendments and electoral reforms, Kalu stressed the importance of a coordinated and proactive approach to ensure the smooth passage of proposed amendments.
“The leadership of both committees has been invited to this retreat to ensure that any amendments impacting the Electoral Act are handled appropriately,” Kalu emphasized. “Collaboration is key to ensuring that these amendments do not become contentious or contradictory.”
Looking ahead, Kalu announced that the committee will hold a series of Zonal and National Public Hearings across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. These public hearings, scheduled for later in 2025, will provide Nigerians from all walks of life with the opportunity to contribute their voices to the constitutional review process.
“We must ensure that the final amendments reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” Kalu stated. “This is a democratic process, and we are committed to a transparent and inclusive review.”
The Road Ahead: What’s at Stake?
The constitutional review process is one of the most critical undertakings in the current political landscape of Nigeria. With 151 bills under consideration, including those addressing state creation, Kalu and his colleagues are under immense pressure to balance competing interests and deliver reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Mr. Clement Nwankwo, expressed his optimism about the committee’s ability to deliver on its mandate. “We are confident that this committee will fulfill its goals within the timelines set. The PLAC has been working closely with the committee to ensure that the reforms reflect the aspirations of the Nigerian people,” Nwankwo said.
The next phase of the review will include nationwide consultations, allowing for broader public participation in shaping Nigeria’s future. Kalu reiterated his commitment to a transparent and inclusive process, promising that the final product would pave the way for a more democratic and responsive Nigeria.
“The work we are doing now will lay the foundation for a stronger Nigeria,” Kalu said. “We are ensuring that the voices of Nigerians are heard in the reforms we implement.”
As the constitutional review process unfolds, the question remains: will the country’s demands for state creation ever be met? With the current lack of constitutional support for such requests, the dream of new states for Nigeria’s marginalized regions may have to wait – but for how long?
