Agbakoba argues more states not needed as most current ones not viable
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Olisa Agbakoba SAN, has counselled caution in the agitation for the creation of new states in the South East by some House of Representatives members, warning the proposal is a wrong priority.
He canvassed regionalism as solution to the myriad of national problems as most of the current 36 states are not viable, stressing the point in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The House of Representatives recently passed for second reading a bill seeking the creation of Etiti State out of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States in the South East.
The bill was sponsored by five House members – Godwin Ogah, Miriam Onuoha, Kama Nkemkama, Princess Nnabuife, and Anayo Onwuegbu.
Ogah (LP, Abia), who led the debate, argued the creation of an Etiti State is both a matter of administrative convenience and a step to ensure balanced regional development and effective governance.
Some other lawmakers and stakeholders have also called for the creation of Anioma State from states in the South East and South South.
One of the canvassers, Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North), said an Anioma State would correct “the marginalisation of the South East.”
In his view, Anioma would increase the population, land mass, and the resource base of the South East.
But Agbakoba countered that Nigeria does not need more states, saying lawmakers and other stakeholders should instead agitate for the restructuring Nigeria into regional governments to reflect the real diversity of the country.
He explained he does not support the creation of more states because most of the current 36 states are economically unviable, insolvent, and cannot afford infrastructural development or pay the proposed minimum wage.
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