Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called for the creation of an additional state in the South East to ensure equity with other geopolitical zones, which each have six or more states. Mbah also pushed for a rotational presidency and the establishment of state police to foster inclusivity and enhance national security.
Speaking on Thursday evening at Government House, Enugu, during a courtesy visit by members of the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment, Mbah emphasized the urgency of these reforms ahead of a regional public hearing on the constitution amendment scheduled for the weekend at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
“The South East suffers injustice. The fact that across the different geopolitical zones, the South East is the only one with five states. So that is also what we believe will be corrected in this process of amendment,” Mbah stated. He further advocated for state police, describing it as “overdue” given the security challenges in various communities. “The state police will be a truly welcome development in our Constitution,” he added.
Mbah also endorsed a rotational presidency, noting it would provide the South East and other regions an opportunity to lead the country, fostering a sense of belonging.
Leading the Senate delegation, Deputy Chief Whip Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi explained that the committee was in Enugu to gather inputs from the South East for the ongoing constitution review. He acknowledged widespread criticism of the 1999 Constitution as a product of military dictatorship that fails to represent all segments of Nigeria. “We pray that this engagement will afford the people of South East the opportunity to right some wrongs, particularly as it relates to the number of states,” Nwebonyi said, echoing concerns about the region’s marginalization.
The public hearing in Enugu is expected to formalize these positions as part of the broader effort to amend the 1999 Constitution.
