State creation in Nigeria was a divisive legacy of military rule, leaving an unfortunate vestige in the country’s governance ecosystem.
The process was marred by ulterior motives, aimed at balkanizing and weakening the Eastern Region while centralizing power in the hands of the ruling juntas.
This strategic maneuvering created weaker sub – nationals, thereby undermining the existence of stronger regions as it were. The aftermath of this move was catastrophic, culminating in the secession of the Biafra Republic and the subsequent 30-month genocidal civil war. Given this historical context, Prince Paul Ikonne’s stance on state creation either reveals his historical naivety or showcases his propensity for petty sectional demagoguery and divisive rhetoric.
“LIMITING STRATEGIC NATIONAL DISCOURSE TO THE RIGHT OF ‘NGWA NATION’ TO AGITATE FOR ABA STATE IS INDEED PETTY DEMAGOGUERY.”
To enlighten Prince Paul on Nigeria’s historical landscape, let’s revisit some fundamental facts. The military ruled Nigeria for 29 of the 65 years since independence, during which they unilaterally created all 36 states and 774 local government areas through decrees, including the Federal Capital Territory, without consulting the people.
In stark contrast, civilian governments, which have held power for 36 years, have not created a single new state or local government through democratic means.
Instead, one new region was established via referendum, empowering the people to determine their own destiny. Given this context, it’s clear that Prince Paul’s narrow focus on Aba State agitprop for the ‘Ngwa Nation’ amounts to petty demagoguery for self serving parochial interest.
“LIMITING STRATEGIC NATIONAL DISCOURSE TO THE RIGHT OF ‘NGWA NATION’ TO AGITATE FOR ABA STATE IS INDEED PETTY DEMAGOGUERY.”
The facts are clear. Nigeria’s history of State creation began and ended with the unfortunate military incursion and rule.
No civilian government has successfully created a new State or local government, highlighting the complexities of State creation under civil rule, where diverse opinions, positions and feedbacks shape the narrative.
Today, most Nigerians prioritize addressing the country’s pressing problems and challenges over and above the divisive, costly, and self-serving agitations for new States and local governments creation, having underperformed, compared to the highly competitive regional government era when Nigeria recorded unprecedented milestones in all sectors of her economy.
“LIMITING STRATEGIC NATIONAL DISCOURSE TO THE RIGHT OF ‘NGWA NATION’ TO AGITATE FOR ABA STATE IS INDEED PETTY DEMAGOGUERY.”
…To be continued.
Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti of Abia state.
