Deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has justified the quest for an additional state and local government areas from the Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C).
He said the move would bring governance closer to the people, enhance service delivery, increase economic opportunities and promote accountability and transparency at the grassroots level.
The member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue State spoke ahead of the Constitutional Review Public Hearing for the North Central geopolitical zone.
Agbese reiterated his support for the creation of Apa State and the establishment of new local government areas in Enone, including Avovo, Ari and Ufia out of Ado; Okam and Owukpa LGAs from Ogbadibo and Edumoga Ehaje and Edumoga Itso LGAs from Okpokwu.
According to him, these initiatives will unlock the constituency’s vast potential and ensure that governance is more responsive to the people’s needs.
“By creating new local governments and the Apa State, we can bridge the gap between our people and governance, ensuring that they receive the attention and resources they deserve,” he said.
“When local governments are closer to the people, you have more effective governance. The people would have more access to their leaders, leading to more responsive governance,” he explained.
Agbese said creating Apa state would provide a platform for accelerated development, allowing the region to address its unique challenges and opportunities with autonomy and resources.
“Apa State would catalyse growth and development in our region. We have the human and natural resources, and with the creation of Apa State, we could unlock our full potential.
“Historically, our region has been marginalised regarding resource allocation and infrastructural development. Apa State would provide a platform for accelerated development, allowing us to address our unique challenges and opportunities with the autonomy and resources that come with statehood”, he said.
When asked about the potential challenges, Agbese admitted that there might be some hurdles, but he was optimistic they could be overcome.
“We are not naive to the challenges of creating new states and local governments. But I believe that with determination, hard work, and the support of the people, we can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for our region,” he said.
Agbese urged his fellow citizens, community leaders, traditional institutions, and all stakeholders to support this noble initiative.
“Let us seize this moment of constitutional review to reshape our future and ensure that our constituency gets the attention and resources it deserves,” he said.
