Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Alex Otti of Abia State have called for bold constitutional reforms to address structural imbalances and deepen national inclusion, as the National Assembly’s 2025 Constitution Review process continues.
Speaking at the South-East Zonal Public Hearing for Imo and Abia States, held Saturday in Owerri, Governor Uzodimma reaffirmed the region’s longstanding demand for the creation of at least two additional states to correct what he described as a historical injustice.
“The South-East remains the only geo-political zone with just five states. Every other zone has six or more,” Uzodimma said. “This imbalance has led to our underrepresentation in critical national institutions, from the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council. It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity.”
He recommended the creation of Anim State, highlighting its oil-producing potential and commercial viability as a strong candidate. He also advocated for the creation of additional local government areas to accompany the proposed new states.
Uzodimma recalled how Owerri once served as the capital for the entire South-East, but now shares that status with Umuahia and Abakaliki as state capitals. “With collective effort, we could soon have more capitals like Orlu, Aba, Nsukka and others. This is the prayer of the South-East,” he added.
The Imo governor further pushed for a constitutional amendment to introduce rotational presidency among the six geo-political zones, beyond the traditional North-South dichotomy. “This is not about tokenism, but national stability,” he said. “If Nigerians are assured that the presidency will rotate across all six zones, it will reduce fear of domination and strengthen inclusion.”
On the issue of security, Uzodimma backed the call for state policing, arguing that the current centralized system is overstretched and disconnected from local realities. “As Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, I can confirm that we support the decentralisation of the police. The fear that governors will misuse such powers is outdated. We cannot allow past anxieties to paralyze future solutions.”
Also speaking at the event, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by his deputy Ikechukwu Emetu, urged Nigerians to seize the Constitution Review as an opportunity to shape a more equitable and functional country.
“This process offers a vital moment for Nigerians to reflect on our current system and chart a course for genuine progress,” he said. “Our nation may not yet be ideal, but history shows that positive change is always possible.”
While acknowledging calls for the creation of 31 new states to address marginalisation, Otti cautioned against the financial and administrative implications, warning that Nigeria’s limited resources may not sustain such expansion without new revenue streams.
“I understand the sentiment behind these demands, but we must ask: can we afford it? More states could mean more overheads, more bureaucracy, and less money for development,” he said.
Instead, Otti advocated for inclusive governance frameworks within existing states to ensure fair representation of all major ethnic and clan groups in resource allocation and decision-making.
He also backed the establishment of state police forces, but called for strict standards around recruitment, accountability, and human rights protections. “Federal policing alone is inadequate. Citizens need a system that responds to their local realities,” he stressed.
Both governors reiterated their commitment to a more inclusive and secure Nigeria and urged participants at the public hearing to make meaningful contributions that reflect the aspirations of the South-East and the broader nation.
