…As State Assemblies, LG Chairmen, CSOs Demand Additional States
By Christiana Ekpa
The Chairman of the House of Representatives North West Centre Zone B sub Committee on Constitutional Review, Hon. Sada Soli, has declared that Nigerians are the true authors of the nation’s next constitutional chapter, even as he gave the citizens of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States boldness to Speak and shape the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
This was just as the assemblies in the three North-West states, alongside civil society organizations and the
Local Government Chairmen, demanded the creation of an additional state to be carved out of the three North-Western states, tentatively named Gobir among others
Speaking at the North-West Zonal Public Hearing in Sokoto, Hon. Soli emphasized that the 2025 constitutional review process is the most comprehensive and people-centered in Nigeria’s history.
“This is not just a gathering—it is a national conversation,” Soli stated. “You are not just observers. You are stakeholders and co-authors of Nigeria’s next constitutional chapter.”
He said “The Committee, inaugurated in February 2024, is currently reviewing 87 priority amendment bills across key areas including judicial reform, electoral transparency, state policing, gender inclusion, fiscal accountability, and local government autonomy,
State and local government policing (HB-617) Guaranteed financial autonomy for state judiciaries and
Reserved seats for women in government
Hon. Soli praised the hospitality of the Sokoto State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, and commended Kebbi and Zamfara States for their cooperation.
“This is your moment,” Soli told attendees. “Do not hold back your ideas, criticisms, or aspirations. We are listening.”
He concluded by urging continued public vigilance as the bills move to the National Assembly and eventually to State Houses of Assembly.
“Let us build a Nigeria where justice, equity, and progress are not just ideals, but everyday realities,” he said.
Presenting their recommendations to the committee, the assemblies of the three North-West states, in collaboration with civil society organizations and local government Chairmen , emphasized the urgent need for the creation of additional states.
They argued that the additional states would enable more effective policing and help tackle the persistent insecurity, underdevelopment, and social ills plaguing the region.
They noted that the vast landmass of the North-West makes governance and security enforcement difficult, contributing to the recent surge in insecurity.
