Nigeria's independent online newspaper
The national assemblyIn recent weeks, agitations for the creation of new states in Nigeria have resurfaced and gained traction. While the agitation itself is not new, the ongoing debate, which is part of the constitution amendments review, presents yet another chance for a robust conversation on governance in Nigeria and, more importantly, on what is truly driving these endless calls for new states.
In fact, for every new state created, there will be a new set of ethnic minorities who will still complain about being marginalised. We have seen this pattern repeatedly.Anytime I hear the conversation on state creation, I see it as a distraction – an industry carefully maintained by those who profit from turning constitutional review into an annual jamboree.
First, let me say categorically that at the heart of the agitations for state creation is failure of governance. For me, these endless calls for new states to be created are an indictment on the ruling class, both at the national and sub-national levels. Secondly, it is to say that state creation is an elite conversation for control of resources. For some, it has become a tool to remain politically relevant to their local communities. It does not truly serve the need of the common man.It is primarily driven by elites who feel short-changed in the current setup. It has more to do with how those elites feel marginalised in the current setup rather than how the common man feels.
My point is that state creation is far more than simply drawing a new line on the map. It is about building functional political and economic units capable of delivering development, fostering inclusion, and sustaining themselves without perpetual dependence on federal allocations. So, something that is not working, you say, you want to do more of it. Why do we need to reinforce failure? My point, therefore, is why create a new state when many of the ones you have are not working?
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.
Buhari, Galadima’s revelation and Nigerias field of landminesNigeria's independent online newspaper
Read more »
Nigeria women groups oresent bill seeking additional seats in national, state assembliesThe Coalition of Women-Led Organizations, has presented a gender bill to the Nigerian Senate Constitutional Review Committee Public Hearing in Kano, seeking one more seat in the National Assembly.
Read more »
The state of disability inclusion report 2024: Nigeria's reality checkThe 2024 State of Disability Inclusion Report was jointly launched by the National Commission for PWDs and Project Enable Africa...
Read more »
A young Buhari’s poetic tribute to a leader, By Yushau A. ShuaibPremium Times - Nigeria'bs leading online newspaper, delivering breaking news and deep investigative reports from Nigeria
Read more »
Airtel Africa’s first-quarter profit surges by 403%Premium Times - Nigeria'bs leading online newspaper, delivering breaking news and deep investigative reports from Nigeria
Read more »
Eat and quench: Let’s listen to what our food is telling us, By Jibrin IbrahimPremium Times - Nigeria'bs leading online newspaper, delivering breaking news and deep investigative reports from Nigeria
Read more »