The proposed creation of 12 new states in Nigeria has stirred mixed reactions from Nigerians with many advising caution, equity and consideration of the viability of such states.
This is even as the Senate Committee on States Creation conducts public hearing on the subject in certain states in the six geo-political regions of the country.
Respondents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Sunday called for caution and transparency in the proposed creation of new states.
Prof. Abubakar Oladeji of the Political and Governance Policy Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), described the idea as a welcome development.
Oladeji, however, said that the resolution for creation of more states must emanate from wide consultations with the citizens.
According to him, after all, there are countries with more than 50 states, which are not as diverse in socio-cultural attributes as Nigeria.
Oladeji, however, faulted the proposed equal distribution of two states per geopolitical zone, arguing that “the South-East will continue to be shortchanged with fewer number of states than other zones.”
He said that viability, rather than political considerations, should be the most important criterion for creating new states.
“How viable are the newly proposed states, or even the existing ones?
“Or should states in Nigeria continue to go cap in hand to the Federal Government every month?,” Oladeji said.
Prof. Adams Onuka, an Ibira man and an Education Evaluation expert, formerly of the University of Ibadan, welcomed the proposal, citing personal relief it could bring to his state, Kogi
Onuka said that the creation of Okura State from Kogi in the North Central Zone would be a thing of joy.
He, however, said “such moves could lead to fresh agitations just like in every aspect of human existence, there are always pros and cons.
“It is going to bring relief to those who have felt marginalised and unhappiness to those who would become minorities in the new states.”
Onuka also highlighted the economic implications, pointing out that the creation of new states would require filling positions such as governors, SSGs, and commissioners.
“Members of the Senate will definitely increase by 36, and the concomitant costs will also increase,” he said.
The retired don called for proper management and the implementation of fiscal federalism to make the exercise a functional and sustained one.
Also, a financial expert, Mr Tunji Adepeju, dismissed the proposal, saying there was “no official proposal yet, only speculation.”
He stated that new states are not feasible for now due to the economic realities and the financial strain it could place on the nation. (NAN)
