By Kolawole Ojebisi
Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, has clarified that creation of 31 new states remains a submission for consideration and not a resolution of the National Assembly.
Rotimi stressed that the propoalsal has to undergo many legislative processes before being infused into the Constitution.
Recall that while speaking at plenary on Thursday, Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house and chairman of the constitution review committee, disclosed that the lower legislative chamber has received proposals for the creation of 31 new states.
Kalu said proposals for state creation should be re-submitted in strict adherence to section 8 of the 1999 constitution no later than March 5.
However, the development was widely reported on many news platforms, attracting criticisms from some Nigerians.
However, in a statement issued on Friday, Rotimi said reports suggesting that the house is seeking to create new states are inaccurate.
“This information is inaccurate and misrepresents the legislative process,” the spokesperson said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, as with all constitutional amendment proposals, these submissions will undergo thorough legislative scrutiny, including public hearings, stakeholder engagements, and multiple levels of approval before any constitutional changes can be effected.”
Rotimi said the committee will “align with constitutional provisions” and only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines on state creation.
He said the house remains committed to a transparent and inclusive constitutional review process that reflects the will of Nigerians.
