North West Seeks Creation Of 9 States

Stakeholders have asked for the creation of nine additional states from the North West Zone of the country.

They said the proposed states would boost development, enhance security and equity.

They proposed Bayajidda and Karaduwa states from Katsina State, Kainji from parts of Kebbi and Niger states, Tiga and Ghari from Kano State, Gurara and new Kaduna from Kaduna State and Hadeja from Jigawa State.

The groups made their submissions at the weekend during the two-day North West zonal public hearing in Kano State before the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), chaired by the deputy Senate president, DSP Barau Jibril.

In his submission, the chairman and director general for the creation of Kainji State, Dr. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, said the state will comprise one emirate from Kebbi State (Zuru) and two emirates from Niger State (Kontagora and Borgu).

He explained that based on an earlier arrangement since the colonial administration in 1902, the three emirates were together as an administrative unit, with understanding established among them.

“When created, this state will have a population of 2.2 million and also it will have a landmass of 36,800 square kilometers with headquarters in Kontagora . This would make it among the 10 largest states in the country.”

Dr. Ibeto also pointed out that when created, it would go a long way in solving its security, as they stand for justice, equity and fairness.

Barr. Mark Jacob, Esq, a representative of the Gurara state agitators, presented their memos and said they had all the signatures required by section 8 of the constitution.

According to him, “For the first time the entire state is united and convinced that a state be created; an agreement reached from stakeholders from both the northern and southern part as well as the governor and assembly members,” he stated.

He further argued that the state has a lot of manpower and resources, such as ginger, columbite, and other solid minerals, which, if fully developed, can make it less dependent on the federal government.

He also added that, when created, it will enhance peace and growth of the area and the nation at large.

Also, the agitators for the creation of Karaduwa state, highlighted that when created, the state would have a sizeable population with wide land mass that could be leverage for agriculture.

He noted that the area currently consists of 11 LGAs, which could be increased upon formation as a state. This would bring governance closer to the people, improve political participation, security, and living standards.