By Chief Emmanuel Ikechukwu-Jonathan
The proposed ADADA State is currently leading in the ongoing process to identify the area to be presented to the National Assembly and the President for consideration as the sixth state of the South-East geopolitical zone. This is because it is the only contender that fully meets the provisions of Section 8(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The said section mandates that any state creation request must carry the endorsement of two-thirds of elected representatives from the proposed area across all legislative tiers and local governments. Adada State also ranks highest in several other key variables being considered for the creation of a new state.
Information from sources within the National Assembly committee handling the creation of the additional state in the South-East geopolitical zone reveals that #ADADA #STATE is the only area at the moment that has met both the constitutional requirements and other factors of consideration.
It is important to note that since the concept of Adada State was conceived and championed by Senator Isaiah Ani between 1979-1983, it has consistently enjoyed the endorsement of two-thirds of elected representatives from the proposed area across all legislative tiers and local governments that make up the proposed state. At the 2014 National Conference, Adada State also ranked first among other contenders from the South-East geopolitical zone and would likely have been created if not for the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 presidential election.
However, key actors in the committee are attempting to undermine the fact that Adada State is the most constitutionally favoured option, seemingly due to their personal interests. The good news, however, is that their efforts are proving difficult, as the areas they are projecting for creation as the sixth state of the South-East geopolitical zone do not meet the requirements of Section 8(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
It is no longer news that the proposed Anim-Oma State, being promoted by Senator Osita Izunaso of Orlu zone in Imo State and Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North zone in Delta State, has effectively hit a dead end (Rock of Gibraltar). This is because elected representatives of Delta North, across all legislative tiers and local government areas, have vehemently opposed any arrangement that seeks to merge Anioma with any part of the South-East for the purpose of state creation.
They described suggestions of merging Anioma with the South-East as “non-negotiable,” and contrary to the historical and cultural identity of the Anioma people.
The statement, endorsed by all elected representatives from Delta North, follows renewed national conversations and legislative engagements on the creation of additional states across the country.
Meanwhile, the proponents and sponsors of Etiti State are also facing a Herculean task in convincing stakeholders from the areas that are expected to make up the proposed state. Many of these communities are satisfied with their current status within their respective states and fear the possibility of being shortchanged or reduced to a minority position in the new arrangement.
It is therefore worrisome that the key actors in the committee responsible for presenting the most constitutionally qualified area in the South-East geopolitical zone for the creation of a sixth state have chosen to align themselves with a setback position, rather than recommend Adada State, which remains the most constitutionally qualified area for state creation.
Those close to Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu should advise him to take the path of honour by respecting the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandate that any request for state creation must have the endorsement of two-thirds of the elected representatives from the proposed area across all legislative tiers and local governments.
It is important to note that presenting #ADADA #STATE as the most constitutionally qualified area for creation as the sixth state of the South-East geopolitical zone remains the easiest and most straightforward route for the committee. Any attempt to promote an alternative option only complicates the process. Undoubtedly, the refusal to acknowledge this fact is a major reason for the delay in the creation of the long-awaited sixth state, despite the readiness of Mr. President and the National Assembly to ensure that the South-East is brought at par with other geopolitical zones.
Chief Emmanuel Ikechukwu-Jonathan, writes from Abuja.
