WHY Uzodinma Wants Two New States for the South-East - Full Details from Constitution Review Hearing

..... "Our voice has been shrunk, our representation limited. It's time to redress the imbalance" - Gov. Hope Uzodinma

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has demanded the creation of two additional states in the South-East geopolitical zone, arguing that the region has suffered longstanding marginalisation in state creation and federal representation.

Speaking at the public hearing on the 1999 Constitution review held at the Eze Imo Palace in Owerri on Saturday, Uzodinma said that the imbalance in state distribution has left the South-East with just five states, compared to six or seven in other zones, resulting in underrepresentation in critical national institutions such as the National Assembly and Federal Executive Council.

"It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity," Uzodinma declared. "Therefore, it's only fair and just that we ask for the creation of at least two additional states in the South East. It is my well-considered submission that Anim State should be one of the new states to be created."

He pointed out that Anim State, if created, would qualify as an oil-producing state, making it commercially viable and self-sustaining.

The Governor called on the National Assembly and the House Committee on Constitution Review to prioritize justice, equity, and inclusion in the ongoing amendment process. He emphasized that creating more states for the South-East is not just a regional request, but a national necessity for strengthening unity and fairness.

On broader constitutional reforms, Uzodinma advocated for:

Legal definition of indigeneity based on birth or long-term residence;
Rotational presidency not only between the North and South but among all six geopolitical zones;
Decentralized state policing for enhanced responsiveness and security;
New local government areas for the South-East.

He noted that a Constitution must not merely outline borders but reflect shared values, justice, and national identity. "Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness," he said. "But that strength must be harnessed through law and equity."

The Imo State Governor also urged Southeasterners to seize the opportunity presented by the review process and pursue their demands through peaceful and democratic means, rather than threats or violence.

Also speaking at the hearing, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, called for an inclusive constitution, state police, and compulsory free basic education. He emphasized the need for oversight mechanisms in state policing to prevent abuse of power.

The hearing, which drew stakeholders from Imo and Abia States, was declared open by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who described the process as a historic journey to strengthen Nigeria's legal framework and realign it with the aspirations of its people.

Kalu reiterated the committee's commitment to inclusivity and justice, adding that the 1999 Constitution must evolve to reflect contemporary realities and serve as a social contract that guarantees national cohesion and prosperity.