Issues
Constitution Review: Long Road To State Creation
Precisely a month ago, members of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution were in Rivers State for a two-day Zonal Public Hearing on the proposed alteration to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Committee was led by its South-South Chairman and Senate Deputy Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN). Others include Senator Effiong Bob from Akwa-Ibom, Eme Ufot Ekaette, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri from Bayelsa, Senator Patrick Osakwe from Delta, Senator Ehigie Uzamere from Edo and Senator Lee Maeba from Rivers State.
The hope raised by the two-day hearing is still reverberating as state creation and minority rights dominated most of the presentations made at the forum.
From far away Edo State to Cross River State, various calls were made by stakeholders for more states creation.
And if the agitation sails through, not less than 10 states may be split from the six existing South-South states in the country.
The states include Ogoja in Cross River State, Turobe State to be carved out from Ondo, Edo and Delta States. Oil Rivers to be carved out from Rivers State. In short, only in Rivers State, agitations were made for Ahoada, Ogoni and Minji-Se states.
Agitation for states creation did not start today. Shortly after independence in 1960, the country split from the three regions to four including Middle Belt. By 1967, during Gen. Yakubu Gowon regime, the country was further split into 12 states.
By 1979, during Gen. Murtala Mohammed/Obasanjo regime, the country grew into 19 states. Gen. Babangida increased it to 21 in 1991 and when Gen. Sanni Abacha came in 1995, the number of states went up to 36.
In all, only during Gen. Murtala regime was a deliberate action taken through constitutional procedure to create state.
Experts are of the view that it was a coincidence as at that time because a Constitutional Drafting Committee, led by eminent lawyer, Late F.R.A Williams, (SAN), was already putting together the 1979 constitution for eventual military handover that same year.
Aside from that instance, right from the regime of Gen. Gowon, state creation has always been through military fiat. It was in this light that most political analysts assert that it would be difficult this time to get new states created considering the complex political, economic, social and ethnic intrigues that would come to play in the process.
Since the present constitutional review process was mooted in 2007, agitations for more states creation have resonated in the country. The agitation cuts across the different zones of the country.
In the South-East zone of the country, Governors like Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State has called for the creation of Njaba state. Governor Ohakim bared his mind on the matter last year when he received a delegation of Orlu Council of Elders, led by its chairman, Hon. Justice L.C. Alimor at the Government House, Owerri.
Governor Ohakim, while asserting his support for the creation of the new state said the people of the zone have lost lot of federal attention. He urged the delegation to come up with a strategic design on how to actualise the goal.
The same view was promoted by Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Martin Elechi, who observed that the South-East has the least number of states.
He told newsmen at Abakiliki that there was no way to define marginalisation than in the present arrangement which detracts from the contributions of South Easterners to the country’s development.
“My view is that the agitation for an additional state as the beginning of new creation is that it is national neglect that calls for a national resolve. There is no reason why this geo-political zone should have only five states,” Elechi argued.
“Above everything else, we deserve that additional state before we talk of how many more states that should be created all over Nigeria. We handled this issue almost to a definite conclusion in the defunct national political reform conference.”
The Ebonyi State Governor submitted that because of its urgency and importance in building national unity through equity, ‘justice and fair play, state creation could even be taken care of by national consensus rather than the tedious process of constitution amendment.
Adding, “after all, none of the existing states was created through constitutional provisions. So it is a national problem that requires national focus and national commitment.”
In the North, the Movement for the Creation of Savannah State, has renewed its call for the creation of Savannah State out of the present Borno State.
The movement said during its meeting with members of the National Assembly last year resolved that all sons and daughters of Southern Borno shall work to achieve their long desired objectives.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Publicity Secretary of the group, Inuwa Bwala, commended the vision and efforts of the founding fathers of the movement, and urged all sons and daughters of the zone to remain committed to the course of the area.
Calling for the creation of Torube State, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Dr. Atuboyedia Obianime, during his presentation said the call for the creation of the state started over 20 years ago.
The new state, which for him was needed for the creation of more political space and homogeneity of Ijaws. It would cover Burutu in Delta, Bomadi, Patani, Warri South and Warri North. In Edo, it would cover Ovia South/North and in Ondo, Ojibo, which are exclusively Ijaw territories.
For Oil Rivers State, Dr. Obianime, would cover 13 local government areas in present Rivers State consisting of 5,000 square kilometers of abundant gas, oil and fish resources.
In order to make it a reality, he noted that the Senate needs to distance itself from extraneous influences that, may come from the federal government, arguing that, state creation should be a way of addressing the age-long marginalisation the people of the Niger Delta have suffered.
Speaking on behalf of the Movement for Minji-Se State, Dr. Charles Numbere, said the stakeholders need to go back to the Willinks Commission of 1958, which declared that the Niger Delta was not sufficiently developed.
Dr. Numbere was of the view that the restiveness in the Niger Delta was as a result of aggrieved minds over the underdevelopment of the area. He urged the federal government to treat the area as a special area.
He proposed four new Ijaw states namely, two from the East of Bayelsa and two from the West of Bayelsa.
The two of the East of Bayelsa include Minji-Se and Abaji-Se Minji-Se, he said should consist of Abua, Bille, Kalabari, Kugbou, Odual and Udekema. While the two West of Bayelsa should be Torube and Benibe.
He further declared, “we have gone to the people and sought their consent, and we have gone to see the Senate President and have submitted our memorandum.”
The idea of state creation according Dr. Numbere goes beyond politics, “we are talking about the future of our children, we have always been cheated in the past. When the North, West and East were created, the South ought to have been created rather, they were sidelined,” he added.
Advocating for the creation of Ogoja State, Prof Itai recalled that the area was formerly referred to as Oil Rivers and Ogoja Province during the colonial era. But since independence, the area has remained dormant because the people have not been given a voice.
Quoting section 8 subsection one of the constitution, Prof Itai remarked that the right of the minority have to be protected considering the fact that almost all the former provinces have now become state headquarters except Ogoja.
For him, what the people of the area have suffered, “is gross oppression, regression of Niger Delta communities.”
In Bayelsa State, according to Mr. Gideon Okei Owei, what the people need goes beyond infrastructural development. He gave knocks to the Land Use Act and harped on the need for more local government areas creation.
“We do not subscribe to the provision of section 41 subsection three”, he said, “we believe that the question of Revenue Allocation as determined by the National Assembly has not been fair”.
Mr. Owei called for fiscal federalism. He maintained that states need to be given freedom to control their resources, create their own Police and also allowed to create local governments based on convenience.
The same view was re-echoed by eminent lawyer and former president of the Nigerian Bar Assocation, Onueze Okocha, who spoke on behalf of Ogbakor Ikwerre Movement.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria stressed that the call for state creation would be based on merit. According to him, states must be homogeneous and economically viable.
OCJ Okocha asserted that local government should be left for states to create, “if Rivers State can manage 50 local government areas let them create, as far as they can maintain it.”
Earlier, Senator Ndoma-Egba has assured stakeholders in the area that the Upper House would collate and study their views in order to produce an equitable and balanced constitution.
He dismissed the view that the public hearing was an effort to kill time as the National Assembly was bent in ensuring that the constitution is reviewed to reduce tension by incorporating the views of all the citizenry.
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Amieyeofori Ibim
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