Constitutional Review: Nwifuru Calls for Creation of Additional States in South East, Advocates Zonal Presidential Rotation

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has called on the National Assembly to address structural imbalances in Nigeria’s geopolitical system by creating additional states in the South East region.

The governor made the appeal in Abakaliki, the state capital, while receiving members of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. His comments were detailed in a statement issued Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor.

Governor Nwifuru argued that the South East remains the only geopolitical zone with five states, while all others have six or more—a disparity he said breeds resentment and reinforces feelings of marginalization.

“To end regional squabbles permanently, I urge the National Assembly to ensure that issues of marginalization and structural imbalance are addressed constitutionally,” he stated.

He also advocated for the rotation of the office of the President among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, emphasizing that the South East has yet to produce a president since the return to democracy in 1999.

“What is the purpose of having geopolitical zones if the presidency continues to elude some regions? This is an injustice that must be corrected,” Nwifuru said.

The governor further proposed an amendment to Section 308 of the Constitution to extend immunity provisions beyond executive positions. He recommended that immunity be granted to the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and their deputies, as well as speakers and deputy speakers of state legislatures.

He also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, dismissing concerns that such forces could be misused by state governors. According to him, state policing is essential for improving security and aligning governance with local realities.

Earlier, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and leader of the constitution review delegation, explained that their visit was part of a nationwide public hearing to gather input on constitutional reforms.

“Given the widespread calls for constitutional amendments, the public hearing is a critical step to ensure the constitution reflects the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians,” Nwebonyi said. He assured that the committee would work to ensure no region is short-changed in the process.

He also acknowledged Governor Nwifuru’s active involvement in previous constitutional review exercises during his tenure as Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.