Ohanaeze youths reject proposed five additional states for South-East, criticize Reps

DDM News

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) Worldwide has rejected the proposed five additional states for the South-East.

The youths described the move as another attempt to marginalize the region, Diaspora digital media (DDM) reported.

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review proposed creating 31 new states across Nigeria.

If approved, Nigeria would have 67 states instead of the current 36, including the Federal Capital Territory.

The proposed states include Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi.

Others are Benue Ala and Apa from Benue, Amana from Adamawa, and Katagum from Bauchi.

Also listed are Savannah from Borno, Muri from Taraba, and New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna.

The proposal includes Tiga and Ari from Kano, Kainji from Kebbi, and Ogoja from Cross River.

Other proposed states are Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers, and Torumbe from Ondo.

Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Ijebu from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo, Ogun, and Osun were also included.

For the South-East, five states were proposed—Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, and Aba.

Ohanaeze youths strongly opposed this, arguing it fails to correct the historical imbalance in the region.

In a statement on Friday, National President Mazi Okwu Nnabuike expressed disappointment over the proposal.

He stated that the South-East has long decried marginalization due to having only five states.

Other regions have six or seven states, making the South-East the most disadvantaged.

According to him, the proposed states do not address this imbalance, as other regions are getting more.

He emphasized that true fairness requires granting the South-East two additional states first.

After that, other regions should receive equal numbers to ensure balance.

“When we first heard the proposal, we were optimistic,” Okwu stated.

“However, after reviewing the list, we realized the South-East is still being shortchanged,” he added.

“Our people have demanded an extra state since 1999,” he continued.

“These efforts have always been blocked by forces benefiting from our marginalization,” he lamented.

The Ohanaeze youths also criticized South-East lawmakers for allowing the proposal without ensuring fairness.

“Our representatives should have ensured this proposal reflects fairness,” Okwu stated.

“They must return to the drawing board and correct this injustice,” he urged.

He insisted that fairness is necessary for national unity and peace.

The youth group urged the National Assembly to reconsider the proposal immediately.

Failure to address the South-East’s concerns could deepen grievances and alienate the region further.

Ohanaeze youths insisted that state creation must be equitable across all regions.

The only way forward is ensuring a fair allocation of states to the South-East.

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