Nigeria needs no more additional states – Abia Gov Otti
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has disclosed that Nigeria does not require the creation of additional states, arguing that many existing states struggle with economic self-sustainability.
Otti made this known during the constitution review meeting for Imo and Abia states held in Owerri, while pointing out the imbalance in the number of states across geopolitical zones, noting that while some zones have up to seven states, the South East is limited to five. He suggested that an additional state in the South East would help rectify this discrepancy.
Otti conveyed his views through a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma. The governor sought to clarify misunderstandings circulating in the media regarding his stance on state creation.
“Governor Otti’s position over the years on the creation of additional states in Nigeria hasn’t changed and will not change. His position is that the country doesn’t require additional states, especially when most of the already existing states lack the viability for economic self-sustainability,” the statement said.
He stressed that adding states without a solid economic foundation for the existing ones could lead to divisions that threaten national unity. “Creating additional states in Nigeria when the economic super-structure that should sustain the already existing but troubled ones hasn’t been laid is akin to intentionally laying the foundation for further division,” he added.
Otti called on stakeholders involved in discussions about new states to prioritize the long-term interests and welfare of the citizenry over personal agendas. He referenced past leaders who made significant contributions without the need for multiple states, advocating instead for a regional approach to governance that addresses the nation’s pressing economic challenges.
Source: Vanguard newspaper
