Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has opposed the creation of new states in Nigeria, warning that it could worsen the country’s financial and administrative challenges.
Speaking during the South-East zonal public hearing on constitutional amendment in Owerri, Governor Otti said that although some calls for new states are based on genuine feelings of marginalisation, the move would increase government spending and further stretch limited resources.
“Unless we can find independent sources of funding for these new states, I don’t see how this will benefit the country,” he said.
The governor instead called for inclusive governance within the existing states to give all ethnic groups a fair sense of belonging.
While rejecting state creation, Governor Otti strongly supported the introduction of state police, describing it as an “urgent national priority.” He said the current federal policing system has failed to effectively secure communities and called for clear standards in recruitment, accountability, and coordination with federal security agencies.
Governor Otti also backed the move to create more legislative seats for women at both national and state levels. However, he cautioned that internal party reforms must follow to stop men from using women as proxies to retain political control.
His remarks have stirred public debate as the National Assembly continues consultations on possible changes to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
