Otti, Uzodimma Clash Over Creation of More South-East States

Governor Hope Uzodimma and Alex Otti have clashed over the growing demand to create more states in Nigeria’s South-East region.

Their disagreement came during the South-East public hearing on constitutional amendments held in Owerri on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Governor Uzodimma of Imo State made a strong case for adding at least two more states to the South-East. He argued that the region’s current structure leaves it politically and economically disadvantaged.

According to him, this imbalance affects the South-East’s representation at the national level.

“Every other zone has at least six states,” Uzodimma stated. “We in the South-East have only five.

This limits our representation in the National Assembly and weakens our voice in the Federal Executive Council.”

Uzodimma proposed the creation of Anim State, which he said would be oil-producing and boost local government coverage.

He also called for the legal recognition of long-term residents as indigenes.

To support his point, he cited the example of Mallam Umaru Altine, a Fulani man who served as Mayor of Enugu in 1952.

“How did that happen, if not for the acceptance of residency over origin?” Uzodimma asked.

He further pushed for a rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones. The move, he said, would reduce fears of political domination and foster national unity.

But Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by his deputy Ikechukwu Emetu, disagreed.

While acknowledging the South-East’s historical marginalisation, Otti warned that creating more states could place a heavier financial burden on the country.

“Nigeria’s economy is already stretched,” he said. “Unless we find new revenue sources, I don’t support new states.”

Instead of creating more states, Otti called for better governance structures and efficient use of existing resources.

He also supported the establishment of state police, insisting that Nigeria’s centralised policing system is no longer effective.

According to him, proper training, clear accountability, and synergy with federal agencies must guide this decentralisation.

“Our people continue to face insecurity. A state-level police force can address these local threats better,” he said.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, described the session as historic.

He said, “This is the most inclusive constitutional review process Nigeria has seen. We are committed to fairness for all.”

So far, over 30 state creation proposals have been submitted nationwide. More public hearings are expected across the remaining geopolitical zones.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook