From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Calls for the creation of additional states in the North East have continued to dominate submissions at the zonal public hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution review.
A member, representing Hawul/Askira Uba Federal Constituency, Dr. Usman Balami, while speaking at the North East Public Hearing in Maiduguri at the weekend, maintained that creation of additional states in the zone would accelerate infrastructural development and boost economic growth.
He particularly canvassed for the creation of Savannah State out of Borno State, citing high population of the southern part of present Borno, where the state is proposed, as reason for the call.
“If you look at all the states in the North East, Borno State has the largest population; and it has 27 local government areas, which is also the highest number in the geo-political zone,” Balami said.
He explained that the call for more states by the people was premised on their belief that new states would ensure effective utilisation of resources in the country.
“We also believe the smaller the size of the component, the easier and more-effective the management of the resources it has,” he added.
Other speakers also advocated for strengthening of democratic structure at the local government level and increasing female participation in politics among others.
