By Michael Nnebife
An erudite professor of Political Science at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Obiajulu Obikeze, says the creation of an additional state from South East Geopolitical Zone, will quell the issues of agitations and marginalization in the zone and the country at large.
Prof Obikeze, who stated this while featuring as a guest in a media programme recently in Awka, commended the member representing Ideato North and West Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, for coming up with a bill in that regard, advising him and his supporters to embark on negotiations, as well as consultations from the various quarters affected, for mutual agreement.
The Political Science teacher made a short historical insight about state creations in Nigeria from Colonial Administrations to the military Era with various interests which include to create a room for people’s participation in governance, among others.
Obikeze also pointed out that creation of states in Nigeria had become a way of sharing the national cake.
According to him, those who had more, got more, and those who had less, got less of the national cake.
‘The North East, North Central, South South, South West, have six states each, and the North West has seven states, but only the South East has just five states.
‘So, at that point, it becomes necessary that the South East should get one more state so that there will be a kind of balancing.
‘When this is done, the issues of marginalization and agitations will begin to whittle down,’ Obikeze said.
He described the proposed additional state from the South East as apt, appealing to people to support it.
‘When I heard the news about the creation of an additional state, I was happy, and I’m still happy that Igbo should get one more state. I would want our people to welcome it,’ he said.
