The spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, has refuted claims that the National Assembly has passed a resolution for the creation of 31 new states.
He clarified that the proposals received are merely submissions and not decisions of the parliament.
His statement follows remarks made by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during Thursday’s plenary. Kalu, who also serves as the chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, disclosed that the House had received various proposals for new states.
He, however, emphasized that any such proposal must be resubmitted in strict compliance with Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution by March 5.
Section 8 of the constitution outlines rigorous legislative and procedural requirements for state creation, including stakeholder consultations and multiple levels of approval.
In response to media reports suggesting that the House is actively working on new state formations, Rotimi stated that such claims misrepresent the legislative process.
“This information is inaccurate and misrepresents the legislative process,” he said, stressing that all constitutional amendment proposals, including state creation, must go through comprehensive scrutiny, public hearings, and stakeholder engagements.
Rotimi reaffirmed the House’s commitment to upholding due process, ensuring transparency, and prioritizing the will of Nigerians in the ongoing constitutional review.