Uzodimma's Recommendations To The Constitution Review Committee Highlight Urgent Need for Equity and Security [VIDEO]

 

Governor Hope Uzodimma has made a strong case for constitutional reforms that reflect the shared aspirations of all Nigerians, rather than creating divisions along regional or ethnic lines. Speaking at the South East, Center B Public Hearing of the Constitution Review process, held at the Eze Imo Palace Auditorium in Owerri, the Imo State Governor laid out a passionate argument for far-reaching changes that would advance national cohesion and development.

The public hearing, which brought together stakeholders from Imo and Abia States, was part of the National Assembly's wider engagement on reviewing the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Governor Uzodimma used the opportunity to highlight pressing concerns affecting the South East and the broader Nigerian federation.

A key highlight of his address was the call for the creation of two additional states in the South East. This demand, he argued, is not just about representation but about restoring equity among Nigeria's geopolitical zones. Currently, the South East remains the only zone with five states, compared to six or seven in other regions. Uzodimma stressed that this imbalance has affected the region’s access to national resources and limited its voice in key national decisions.

He urged lawmakers to consider the strategic importance of creating at least one new state in the oil-producing axis of the South East. By doing so, the region would gain improved access to federal developmental initiatives, including infrastructure projects, fiscal benefits from oil derivation, and broader economic opportunities for its people.

Beyond structural equity, Uzodimma addressed a long-standing issue affecting millions of Nigerians residing outside their states of origin. Drawing from Nigeria’s early democratic practices, he called for a reinstatement of the policy that grants "indigene" status to anyone born in or resident for over ten years in a state, provided the individual has demonstrated good conduct. According to him, this policy would go a long way in fostering a stronger sense of belonging among citizens, reducing ethnic bias and promoting national integration.

Governor Uzodimma did not shy away from proposing a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s power-sharing mechanism. He advocated for the formal constitutional recognition of the country’s six geopolitical zones in the zoning of the Presidency. The current informal North and South rotation, he argued, lacks the clarity and inclusiveness required for long-term political stability. A more structured arrangement, based on the six zones, would give all regions a fair chance to occupy the nation’s highest office and reduce the tensions that often accompany presidential elections.

Addressing the rising insecurity in different parts of the country, the governor threw his weight behind the growing call for State Policing. He pointed out that a one-size-fits-all national police structure cannot effectively tackle the diverse security challenges in various regions. According to him, allowing states to manage their own security agencies will lead to quicker responses, better intelligence gathering, and more community-driven crime prevention.

He reminded the lawmakers and the public that federalism thrives on mutual respect, cooperation, and inclusivity. Without genuine efforts to address structural imbalances, the unity of the nation may continue to be tested.

The Owerri event was attended by traditional rulers, lawmakers, civil society representatives, youth groups, and community leaders. Many in the audience welcomed the governor’s proposals, especially the push for additional states in the South East and state-level policing.

Analysts say Uzodimma’s position echoes wider sentiments across the region and may become a pivotal talking point as constitutional reform debates gather momentum. His proposals touch on long-standing issues that have shaped Nigeria’s political landscape, such as resource allocation, identity politics, federal character, and decentralization of power.

The constitutional review process presents an opportunity for Nigerians to reshape the framework that governs them. Whether the recommendations from this hearing and others across the country will translate into tangible amendments remains to be seen, but the calls for inclusion, fairness and security are becoming harder to ignore.

Governor Uzodimma closed his address with a call to the National Assembly to rise above partisanship and sectional interests, urging them to act in the best interest of the federation. He reiterated that unity in diversity is not just a national slogan but a goal that must be actively pursued through deliberate policy choices and constitutional reforms.