As the House of Representatives' constitutional amendment process continues, participants at the conference on post independent state creation has called for the creation of additional states in each of the geo-political zones in the country.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Jerry Gana, in his opening remarks, said creation of more state would bring greater stability to our federal system, adding that "the question of initial viability should not used to deny our people the strong desire to have more state. With qualitative and visionary leadership, each state can be very viable if available land and mineral resources are fully develop".
"We appeal for justice, fairness and equality in considering this sensitive matter of the creation of state, if Nigeria is to be peaceful, progressive and prosperous, we must release the creative energy of our people by fully recognizing the very strong spirit of self-determination", he said.
Mr. Yakubu Ugwokwo, while delivering his keynote address said the conference was a platform for Nigerian leaders to view the issue of additional states in the best interest of the people to accelerate the level of growth and development of the country.
"We want t o create the impression that democratic government can create states in Nigeria, and indeed, the present government should create states, instead of allowing the idea that it is only military that are capable of dictating on the issue of state creation to stand.
"the proposal for the cre ation of 18 more states, based on criterion already put in place, if effected in the ongoing exercise, will truly allow the accommodation of various sentiment of the people, be they, ethnic, historical, political, economic, cultural, would drastically refuse the urge of Nigerians to request for creation of more state for a long time to come," he said.
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