By Saltcity News | July 6, 2025
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has called on the National Assembly to address the existing geopolitical imbalance in Nigeria through the creation of additional states in the South East region.
Governor Nwifuru made the call on Saturday, July 5, 2025, while receiving members of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution at the Government House, Abakaliki.
This was contained in a public posts made by Dr. MondayUzor, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor through his verified Facebook handle.
Highlighting the South East’s underrepresentation in the country’s six geopolitical zones, the governor stressed that the region’s five-state structure creates structural inequality and fuels feelings of marginalization.
“To end regional squabbles permanently, I urge the National Assembly to ensure marginalization and structural imbalances are constitutionally addressed,” Nwifuru stated. “Out of the six geopolitical zones in the country, only this region has five states. This development can trigger resentment among the people.”
He further advocated for the rotation of the presidency among the six geopolitical zones as a measure of promoting fairness, justice, and national unity.
“That the South East has not occupied the position of the President since 1999 is an injustice,” he emphasized. “What is the essence of the geopolitical zone structure if the office of the President cannot be tested by all the zones?”
Governor Nwifuru also recommended the expansion of constitutional immunity under Section 308 to include the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and their counterparts at the State Assemblies.
Renewing his long-standing call for the establishment of state police, the governor dismissed concerns that governors may misuse such power, stating that constitutional safeguards can ensure proper regulation and accountability.
Earlier, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and leader of the constitutional review delegation, noted that the visit was part of a nationwide public hearing aimed at gathering stakeholders’ input to improve the constitution.
“Due to growing concerns, there is a need to further review the constitution to meet the evolving demands of Nigerians. This hearing provides an opportunity for inclusive dialogue,” Nwebonyi said. “Your Excellency, you have actively participated in previous exercises as the former Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, so you understand the importance of this process.”
He assured that the Senate Committee on Constitution Review would work to ensure no section of the country is shortchanged during the amendment process.
The visit underscores renewed efforts by the National Assembly to drive inclusive reforms and build a more equitable federation in Nigeria.
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