Okura State Creation: Rep Halims Fires Back at Critics
Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, has expressed confidence that the proposed Okura State will be created. This assurance comes as the House of Representatives continues to consider proposals for the creation of 31 new states, including Okura, which is part of the North Central region’s proposals alongside Okun and Confluence states from Kogi.
The creation process involves rigorous constitutional requirements, including legislative approvals and public referendums. Despite ongoing debates and criticisms, proponents believe new states will enhance governance and development
The lawmaker, who represents Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency, acknowledged awareness of criticisms regarding the proposed Okura state and others, but stated they were ‘kilometres ahead of critics’, observing that every constitutional requirement was being fulfilled.
The lawmaker, who represents Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency, acknowledged awareness of criticisms regarding the proposed Okura state and others, but stated they were ‘kilometres ahead of critics’, observing that every constitutional requirement was being fulfilled.
While addressing journalists in Abuja, Halims acknowledged that critics of the exercise were entitled to their opinions, which reflected their individual levels of understanding, emphasizing that Okura State, proposed to be created from the existing Kogi State for the Igala and Bassa speaking populations, had fulfilled the necessary constitutional requirements.
He rejected allegations in certain quarters that the people of Kogi East felt marginalized and were thus seeking the creation of Okura.
According to the lawmaker, state creation was a development imperative, and the Eastern Senatorial district was more than due for statehood, considering its status as one of the earliest kingdoms, which was well-known and had contemporaries that have now achieved state status.
He said: “One of my most celebrated bills today is the proposal for the creation of a new state.
“Understandably, there was skepticism, particularly from some of our Idoma-speaking brothers who doubted its feasibility. My message to them is simple: law is law.
“A bill is proposed and followed through to its conclusion. Perhaps past attempts have led to doubt, but as of today, we have already made significant progress— about 50% of the way.
“Our focus now is to meet the constitutional requirements, and we are working diligently towards that goal. By the grace of God, we are making steady progress, and we will achieve it.
“Let me clarify: our demand for state creation is not out of suppression. The Igala have ruled Kogi State for nearly 16 years, and governance has rotated among different groups.
“However, the creation of a new state would reduce the cycle of political rotation, allowing for more opportunities for our people. It is not about tribalism, sectionalism, or zoning— it is about development.”
The proposal for state creation in Nigeria has indeed gained significant traction recently. The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has proposed the creation of 31 new states, which would increase the total number of states from 36 to 67 if approved.
However, this proposal has faced criticism and controversy, with some viewing it as impractical due to financial and administrative challenges.
The process involves rigorous constitutional requirements, including legislative approvals and public referendums.
Despite these challenges, proponents argue that new states could enhance governance and development
