Chief Chekwas Okorie, a prominent elder statesman and coordinator of the Igbo Agenda Dialogue, has voiced concerns about the feasibility of creating a new state in Nigeria. He argues that the 1999 constitution presents significant hurdles, making the task highly challenging. Okorie likened the difficulty to a camel passing through the eye of a needle, emphasizing how unlikely it is for a new state to be created under the current constitutional framework.
Speaking at an Igbo Agenda Dialogue meeting in Abuja, Okorie highlighted the obstacles to amending the constitution, particularly regarding the country’s “lopsidedness.” He referenced the National Conference convened after the Sani Abacha administration, which had recommended dividing Nigeria into six geopolitical zones. However, a later committee altered the recommendations and removed them from the final document. Okorie noted that, although six zones exist, they are invoked only when convenient for the government and lack any constitutional basis, limiting their effectiveness.
Okorie stressed that the Igbo people have made substantial efforts to push for restructuring and constitutional amendment, yet these attempts have been met with insincerity from the government. The 1999 constitution, imposed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s administration, contains provisions that hinder the creation of new states and the alteration of local government structures. He cited the example of the current President, who, as Governor of Lagos State, tried to create new local governments but was blocked by then‑President Obasanjo, leading to the seizure of state allocations—a clear illustration of the challenges faced by reform advocates.
Overall, Okorie’s comments underscore the complexities of creating new states or amending Nigeria’s constitution. The issues of lopsidedness and the need for restructuring remain pressing, and his statements call for a more sincere and concerted effort to address these challenges. As the nation continues to grapple with these matters, Chief Okorie’s remarks serve as a reminder of the necessity for meaningful reform and the difficulties that must be overcome to achieve it.
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