By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Hon. Chinedu Ogah, member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency and Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Public Hearing in the ongoing Constitutional Review process, has reiterated the Southeast region’s demand for the creation of additional states, citing longstanding marginalisation.
Speaking in Abakaliki, Hon. Ogah, who is also a member of the Presidential Committee on Constitutional Review, stated that the Southeast geopolitical zone, comprising Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra states, has fewer states compared to other regions, a disparity he described as unconstitutional and unfair.
“Each zone in the country has at least six states, and some even have seven. The Southeast only has five. It’s our constitutional right to demand more,” he said.
Ogah advocated the creation of two additional states, emphasising that the region possesses the economic, human, and land resources to sustain them.
“We have the landmarks, the economic power, and the manpower to accommodate more states. From my point of view, the Southeast should get two new states,” he said.
He identified Adada State, proposed from parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra, as one of the new state suggestions. At the same time, Imo and Abia have also proposed another, making a total of two state creation proposals from the region.
When asked if the National Assembly members from the Southeast are united on the matter, Ogah responded assertively:
“If you attended public hearings or followed the news, you’d know the Southeast has submitted these proposals to both the Senate and the House of Representatives.”
Hon. Ogah expressed confidence in the constitutional amendment process, noting that the bill has already passed the first and second readings and undergone public hearings.
“Once the committee compiles its report and it passes third reading, it will go to the Senate for concurrence and then to the President for assent. I believe this process will yield results because both the State Houses of Assembly and the masses are in support,” he said.
Beyond state creation, Hon. Ogah revealed that there are proposals for the creation of 13 new local government areas in Ebonyi State alone, including, three in Izzi, two in Abakaliki, one each in Ezza, Ohaukwu, Ishielu, and Ohaozara
According to him, these local government proposals have passed referendum stages and readings in the House of Assembly.“More local governments mean more democratic dividends and job opportunities,” he explained.
He noted that the review includes reforms in electoral laws, judicial processes, security, and devolution of powers — including moving some items from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list.
On the controversial issue of state police, Ogah offered a cautious stance: “I don’t have a firm position. While some governors may use it positively, others may use it to oppress political opponents. Let the people decide.”
When asked about youth and gender quotas in politics, Ogah expressed support for women’s inclusion but seemed dismissive about the need for a youth quota: “The youth already control 70% of the population. What more are they asking for?”
Ogah also decried the misuse of social media by some youths to smear politicians: “Some of our youths lie and tarnish the image of public officials on social media, and journalists help amplify them. The media should separate fact from fiction,” he warned.
He assured his constituents that numerous developmental projects have been captured in the 2025 budget, including Road construction, Classroom buildings, Solar-powered streetlights, Empowerment tools and materials“What we are praying for now is the timely release of funds so the projects can be implemented,” he said.