Former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, has called on the federal government to address long-standing agitations in the Southeast by creating an additional state in the region. The former Minority Whip of the 9th Senate made this recommendation during an interview with Arise News, emphasizing that equitable state creation would foster balanced development and national unity.
Utazi pointed out that Nigeria had previously created new administrative regions under civilian rule, citing the establishment of the Midwestern Region in 1964. He argued that if the federal government is truly committed to resolving the issue, it can once again facilitate the creation of new states through a consensus between the federal and state governments.
Highlighting the existing imbalance in Nigeria’s geopolitical structure, the senator noted that the Northwest currently has seven states, while the Southwest and North Central each have six, leaving the Southeast with only five. He maintained that this disparity has fueled discontent in the region, as it translates to fewer representatives in the National Assembly, reduced federal allocations, and limited political influence.
“For example, if you look at the six geopolitical zones we have in the country today, the Northwest has seven states, the Southwest and North Central each have six, but the Southeast lags behind with only five,” he stated. “In 1964, Nigeria recognized the need for equitable representation and created the Midwestern Region out of the Western Region. I see no reason why the federal government cannot do the same for the Southeast.”
Utazi suggested that the most straightforward solution would be to grant the Southeast one additional state, thereby bringing it on par with the Southwest and North Central. However, to ensure complete balance across the country, he proposed a broader adjustment that would raise all regions to seven states each.
“So if giving the Southeast one state creates further imbalance, then make every other region equal to the Northwest, which already has seven states. You can give one more state to the Southwest and North Central, and two to the Southeast. That way, all zones will be at parity, and this agitation will end,” he explained.
The senator stressed that resolving the issue of state creation is not merely a political gesture but a necessary step toward national cohesion. He argued that ensuring fair representation across all regions would promote even development, reduce regional grievances, and strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure.
With the debate on restructuring gaining momentum, Utazi’s call has reignited discussions on addressing the concerns of marginalized regions through legislative and constitutional means. As the federal government continues to explore ways to promote national unity, the demand for additional states remains a critical issue in Nigeria’s political discourse.
