Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution for the Southeast Zone and the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, stated on August 12, 2025, that if Nigeria is to create any new state, it should come from the South-East region. He made this declaration in an interview on ARISE News, emphasizing that this would help address a longstanding "zonal imbalance" in Nigeria's geopolitical structure.
Key points from Senator Nwaebonyi's remarks include:
- The constitutional process for state creation is outlined in Section 8, sub 1, A-D of the Nigerian Constitution, which involves a rigorous procedure including requests backed by a two-thirds majority of representatives from the relevant area across the Senate, House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, and local government councils.
- After the legislative backing, a referendum with at least 66% approval from the area’s populace is required.
- Finally, endorsement by a simple majority of the 36 state Houses of Assembly and a two-thirds majority approval in both chambers of the National Assembly are required before presidential assent can be given.
- Over 60 bills for state creation exist, but for equity, the South-East must be the focus if another state is to be created, to redress the regional imbalance where other zones have more states.
- The zonal hearings chaired by Nwaebonyi took into account various groups including those from Anioma, who are culturally linked to the Igbo and South-East, ensuring all interests were accommodated.
- He rejected the idea that state creation is political theater, stating the constitution contemplates the possibility of more states beyond the current 36.
- Highlighting governance success in South-East states, he underscored that good leadership exists and can foster development irrespective of zone.
- Nwaebonyi called for fairness and equal treatment of the South-East in national representation, noting the imbalance with the Northwest having seven states compared to six in other zones and only five in the South-East.
This statement aligns with ongoing calls from South-East political leaders for additional states to correct perceived marginalization and promote equity in Nigeria's federal structure.
The senator’s comments form part of broader constitutional review discussions and public hearings aimed at national development and equity.