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Groups push for new states in Adamawa and Borno amid constitutional review
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Traditional rulers, lawmakers back calls for decentralisation
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Zulum urges Nigerians to voice aspirations during amendment hearings
Agitators calling for the creation of Amana State from Adamawa and Savannah State from Borno on Saturday stormed Maiduguri to press their demands at the House of Representatives’ public hearing on constitutional amendment.
The hearing, organised by the House Committee on Constitutional Amendment, attracted stakeholders from Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe.
Leading the Amana State campaign, Dan Amar Mubi, Sali Bello, accused the federal government of reneging on promises made during the February 11, 1961 plebiscite. He alleged that communities in Mubi were assured autonomy if they joined Nigeria, but decades later, their demands remain unmet.
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“Why must we continue demanding fulfilment of a solemn promise made to us? Cameroon honoured its commitment by creating two autonomous regions. Why has Nigeria failed?” Bello asked.
In Borno, Hon Usman Balama, representing Hawul/Askira-Uba Federal Constituency, argued that the creation of Savannah State was overdue, citing Borno’s large population and 27 local government areas as justification for decentralisation.
“The creation of Savannah State will allow effective resource management and enhance security. This is a win-win for all of Borno,” Balama said.
Declaring the hearing open, Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur, urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity to express their aspirations for a “just and equitable Nigeria.”
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“We must ensure that any constitutional amendment reflects the peculiar experiences of our people,” Zulum said.
The push for new states comes amid rising tensions over resource allocation, governance, and security challenges in the northeast.
