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Demand is genuine, activists say
By John Adams, Minna*
The Movement for the Proposed Creation of Okura State from the present Kogi State has emphasized that their agitation is not merely a pronouncement but a genuine demand aligned with the constitutional requirements for state creation. The group expressed confidence that their proposal meets all constitutional criteria and believes justice will be served in realizing their activism.
Dr Yakubu Ugwalawo, the spokesperson for the movement, made this known during the presentation of their demands to the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), at the North Central Zone, Centre A public hearing held in Minna, the Niger State capital. The North Central Zone A of the public hearing comprises Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States.
Dr Ugwalawo, who submitted a memorandum for the creation of Okura State comprising nine local government areas (LGAs) from Kogi East, also presented a consequential amendment proposing the creation of 14 additional LGAs. He highlighted the importance of considering their demands, stating, “For fairness and justice to the people of the area, there is the need to consider its population of over 3 million people, 14,000 square kilometers of land, economic viability, and long history of the people.”
He disclosed that the existing nine LGAs of the proposed Okura State include Ankpa, Bassa, Dekina, Idah, Ibaji, Ofu, Olamaboro, Omala, and Igalamela-Odolu councils. These areas, he maintained, consist of major ethnic groups such as Igala, Bassa Komu, Bassa Nge, Ebira Mozum, as well as Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, Nupe, and other Nigerian ethnic groups.
Dr Ugwalawo added that the consequential amendment proposes 14 new LGAs for the proposed Okura State, namely Ibaji East, Odolu, Odane, Itobe, Igala-Ogba, Ogugu, Imane, Enjema, Ojoku, Okura, Gboloko, Mozum, and Biraidu.
He revealed that the demand for Okura State’s autonomy began about 61 years ago and was formally presented to the National Assembly for a referendum in 1980, which was disrupted by military intervention. He assured that the proposal would secure a 100 percent approval in a referendum across the nine LGAs of the proposed state.
Dr Ugwalawo appreciated Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, urging him to continue supporting the creation of the new state from Kabba Province during his tenure, as other provinces in the country have been granted statehood.
Governor Ododo, represented by the State Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Muzi Yunus Abdullahi, emphasised the need for a people-oriented constitution that benefits all Nigerians and resolves existing ambiguities in the Constitution.
The proceedings were chaired by the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, while the Chairman of Centre A and Deputy Majority Leader, Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, assured that the committee would discharge its constitutional mandate professionally, adhering to laid-down rules to deliver what Nigerians desire.
The post Why we are demanding the creation of Okura State from Kogi – Activists appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
