Speaking on the concern of many Nigerian over the paradox of incessant agitation for creation of more states; Mr Osita Okechukwu hailed the move as good omen for national unity.
Okechukwu noted that traditionally the greater number of Nigerians had incessantly agitated for the creation of more state, which invariably meant they voted for national unity.
He added that regrettably none of the populists had developed their enclave, hence the cry of marginalisation after creation of 2 in 1914, 3 in 1946, 4 in 1963, 12 in 1967, 19 in 1976, 21 in 1987, 30 in 1991, and 36 in 1996; therefore they should allow Nigerians to breathe.
He retorted that they voted for national unity by simply crying aloud to ethnic jingoists, regional crusaders, populist chauvinists and all the apostles of nepotism that Nigerians are more comfortable with good governance of the nation.
It could be recalled that House of Representatives penultimate week received proposals for creation of 30 new states; that would mean 67 states if approved.
When reminded that the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Benjamin Kalu has said that the agitators for new states have not met the requisite conditions.
“As we speak, none of these 30 proposals have met the requirements of Section 8, and that was why we decided to bring it to the notice of Nigerians that your application before us is ineffective.” – Kalu.
Okechukwu said yes, that he is aware that Section 8 provides vote hurdle of two-thirds majority of the Senate, that of the House of Representatives, and the State Houses of Assembly before the creation of a state.
“I know the stringent hurdles, my core interest is grassroots development and the food for thought contained in the incessant agitation, which is the imperative of national unity.
“The agitators for creation of states are teaching us hard lessons to reconsider our disloyalty to our dear country, thus urged us to advance her grassroots development.”
On what must be done?
Okechukwu submitted that luckily President Bola Tinubu had graciously and patriotically via alternative constitutional avenues answered the prayers of national unity advocates by granting financial autonomy to local government areas and creation of South East, North East, South West, North West, South South and North Central Development Commissions.
He opined that the challenge is all hands to be on deck in monitoring the prudent management of local government funds and also monitoring the Development Commissions.
“It is my considered view that grassroots development is the fastest route to Nigeria’s resorgimento, not creation of states nor regions.
And we can only deepen democracy and guarantee economic justice when we collectively prevent snakes from swallowing the huge funds to be allocated to local governments and development commissions.”