By Nkechinyere Ewa-okpara, Abakaliki
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called for the creation of additional states in the South East to correct what he described as a glaring imbalance in the country’s geo-political structure.
Governor Nwifuru made the call in Abakaliki while receiving members of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, led by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi.
“To end regional squabbles permanently, I urge the National Assembly to ensure marginalisation and structural imbalances are constitutionally addressed. Out of the six geo-political zones in the country, only the South East has five states. This development can trigger resentment among the people,” the governor said.
He further advocated for the rotation of the office of the President among the six geo-political zones to promote equity and national unity.
“That the South East geo-political zone has not occupied the position of President since 1999 is an injustice. What is the essence of the geo-political zone structure if the office of the President cannot be tested by all the zones?” he queried.
Governor Nwifuru also stressed the need for a review of Section 308 of the Constitution to extend immunity to other key legislative leaders, including the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and their deputies, as well as Speakers and Deputy Speakers of State Assemblies.
He used the platform to reiterate his call for constitutional backing for state police, dismissing fears that such a force would be abused by governors.
Earlier, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who led the delegation, said they were in the South East for a public hearing as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.
“Due to growing concerns and the need to further review the Constitution to meet the demands of Nigerians, this public hearing was conducted. I don’t need to tell you much about it because, in previous exercises, you participated actively as the then Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly,” he stated.
Senator Nwebonyi assured that the review committee would ensure no section of the country is shortchanged in the ongoing process.