By Abba -Eku Onyeka, Abuja
A renowned human rights and constitutional lawyer, Barr Alex Ebi Edim, has over the weekend called for an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to grant autonomy to each geopolitical zone or region in Nigeria. Edim, based in Abuja, also proposed that here be seven states in each geopolitical zone.
Edim’s proposal was in reaction to the House of Representatives Constitutional Amendments Committee’s recent recommendation to create 31 new states. He suggested that each region should be autonomous, with a governor general at the regional level, deputized by the chairman of the governors’ forum of the region.
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Edim emphasized that each region should control its resources while being accountable to the federal government. He believes that this system would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, encourage competition between regions, and boost the economy.
The lawyer also suggested the creation of new states, including Anioma State from the South South, which would be ceded to the South East Geopolitical Zone. He also proposed the creation of Ogoja State from the South South and Apa State in the North Central.
Edim made similar suggestions for the North East, North West, and South West Geopolitical Zones. Additionally, he expressed support for the tax reform bills sponsored by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, believing that the bills would address anomalies in the system if passed into law.
Edim’s proposals have sparked interest in the ongoing debate on regional autonomy and state creation in Nigeria. His suggestions may contribute to the discussion on restructuring and reforming Nigeria’s governance system.
