National Assembly Endorses Creation Of New South-East State To Address Regional Marginalisation And Political Balance

 

A significant constitutional milestone unfolded as the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Constitution Review formally approved the creation of an additional state in Nigeria’s South-East region. This decision marks a bold step toward addressing long-standing grievances over political imbalance and marginalisation that have shaped national discourse for decades.

The committee’s resolution emerged from a two-day retreat held in Lagos between October 24 and 25, where lawmakers from both chambers of the National Assembly deliberated extensively on constitutional reforms. The session, co-chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, provided a platform for robust debate on the future structure of Nigeria’s federation.

Participants discussed 55 different proposals for the creation of new states across the country, but attention naturally gravitated toward the South-East, which has persistently demanded a sixth state to bring it on par with other geopolitical zones. The North-West currently has seven states, while the South-East remains the only region with five, a disparity often cited as evidence of structural imbalance within the federation.

Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West under the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the committee’s decision as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Speaking to journalists after the retreat, Izunaso praised the move as “a right step in the right direction,” arguing that the development would go a long way toward easing feelings of exclusion among people of the South-East. He emphasized that the approval is not just symbolic but also a corrective measure designed to strengthen national unity.

According to Izunaso, the committee’s approval signals the readiness of the legislature to address historical inequities that have strained Nigeria’s federal structure. He further revealed that another sub-committee has been established to work out the technical details and modalities for creating additional states where genuine needs exist. “We have set up another committee to look at modalities to create more states for areas that need them,” he noted, underscoring the National Assembly’s commitment to fairness across regions.

The retreat in Lagos was characterized by intense debate, as members analyzed demographic data, resource allocation models, and administrative feasibility. Delegates reportedly agreed that political stability and national cohesion depend on equitable representation, particularly in the composition of the federation’s constituent units. The committee’s endorsement of a new South-East state, therefore, represents a deliberate effort to close one of the most persistent gaps in Nigeria’s political landscape.

For decades, stakeholders in the South-East have lamented their perceived underrepresentation at the federal level. The region, often cited for its entrepreneurial prowess and cultural dynamism, has long viewed its five-state configuration as a disadvantage in federal decision-making, revenue distribution, and political appointments. The newly endorsed state, once formally ratified through the constitution amendment process, is expected to boost the region’s influence in national politics and encourage a renewed sense of belonging among its citizens.

Lawmakers and observers alike see the move as part of a broader constitutional reform drive aimed at strengthening the country’s unity through equitable governance. The Constitution Review Committee has become a key platform for airing structural grievances, and its current leadership has shown willingness to take bold, consensus-driven decisions.

Although the specific name and boundaries of the new South-East state have yet to be determined, expectations are already high. Political analysts believe that its creation will not only bring administrative benefits but also serve as a powerful gesture of inclusion. By balancing the number of states per region, the National Assembly aims to reinforce Nigeria’s federal principles and reduce the perception of favoritism that has often bred political tension.

Across the country, reactions to the decision have been largely positive. Civil society groups and regional leaders have hailed the resolution as a triumph of dialogue over agitation. Many see it as a validation of democratic processes and an indication that persistent advocacy can yield meaningful outcomes within the framework of the law.

The National Assembly’s next step will involve forwarding the resolution to state assemblies for concurrence, as required by the constitutional amendment process. If ratified by at least two-thirds of the states, the decision will pave the way for an official declaration and eventual operationalization of the new South-East state.

The development has the potential to reshape Nigeria’s political geography, offering renewed hope for balance and fairness in governance. For a nation that has grappled with questions of equity since independence, the approval of a new South-East state stands as a clear message that the pursuit of national harmony is still possible through structured, democratic dialogue.