If the bar on creation of new states, as contained in our 1979 and 1999 Presidential Constitutions had been lowered, Anioma could have become a state by now.
The struggle for the creation of Anioma state started a long time ago but it became more vocal in 1980. And men like Senator Nosike Ikpo championed the cause for the creation of Anioma state. At that time, what could be referred to Anioma comprised of four Local Governments namely Ika, Oshimili, Aniocha and Ndokwa.
ALADINMA was first proposed as the capital of Anioma state but reasons prevailed on Senator Ikpo’s committee and was later persuaded to make Asaba the capital of the proposed state. This was long before General Ibrahim Babangida endorsed Asaba as the capital of Delta state. The Section states “ An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if— a request, supported by at least two-thirds majority of members in each of the following, namely— the Senate and the House of Representatives the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the local government councils in respect of the area, is received by the National Assembly; a proposal for the creation of the Senate is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least...
As a result of the provisions as contained in the 1979 Constitution, President Shagari knew fully that new states may not be created. He then set-up a committee to water down the conditions as contained in the Constitution to make it easier for states and local governments to be created. He involved political leaders and the National Assembly in the committee. He appointed his Vice- President, Dr Alexander Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme GCON as the Chairman of the committee.
The sub-Committee completed their work and submitted their reports and recommendations to the main Committee for consideration. The legal sub-Committee had the benefit of advice from Prof B.O. Nwabueze, SAN and of draft bills in relation to creation of States by Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN.
A joint meeting of the two committees was later held on June 22, 1983. Present were Mr D.O. Enanya—C.O.C. , Mr. Ladi Falade, Dr. A. Dada—C.O.C. and Mr. Bamidele Adewunmi—Committee Clerk. They were all staff of the National Assembly. In all the committee received so many requests. Among the requests were for the creation of new Anambra state to be made up of Anambra, Awka, Idemili, Ihiala, Njikoka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Aguta; Ebonyi—Ishielu, Ikwo, Ezza, Afikpo, Ohasara and Abakaliki. Bauchi state to made up of Gombe state and Katagum ; Cross River to be made up of New Cross River State—Calabar Municipality, Akampa, Obubra, Ikom, Ogoja, Odukpani, Obudu and Oron. Bendel State to be made up of Anioma State and Delta State.
If you observe, the new states created by General Babangida and General Sani Abacha were part of the requests submitted to Dr Ekwueme’s committee and Alhaji Abubakar Tuggar’s committee of 1982 and 1983 respectively. The movements for the creation of states in Nigeria can be traced back to 1937 when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, GCFR , advocated in his book “THE POLITICAL BLUEPRINT OF NIGERIA”, a Federal form of government for the country and the division of the country into eight constituent units based on geographical configuration. Dr.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Constitution amendment: States holding exercise hostage - Deputy Senate PresidentSix months after the proposed bills to be amended in the 1999 Constitution were transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, only 11 responded and
Read more »
National Assembly blame governors as constitution amendment bid fails | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World NewsThe bid by the current National Assembly to effect a fifth alteration to the 1999 constitution has failed. The leadership of the National Assembly on Tuesday explained that the insistence of state governors on state police as a condition for supporting the entire 44 proposed amendments to the constitution was responsible for the failure of […]
Read more »
Group plans skill acquisitions for 450 in EdoAn anti human trafficking group, Creation of Alternative to Irregular Migration and Human Trafficking has said 450 persons will benefit from its skill acquisition programme in Edo State.
Read more »
2023: Poverty Reduction, Job Creation Remain My Priority if Elected, Says Kwara YPP Guber Candidate – THISDAYLIVE
Read more »