Governor Mbah Advocates For New South-East State, Rotational Presidency, And State Police.
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has urged the creation of an additional state in Nigeria’s South-East region to address the long-standing imbalance in the country’s geopolitical structure. Speaking on Thursday at the Government House in Enugu during a courtesy visit from the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment, Mbah highlighted the need for constitutional reforms to promote equity, security, and national unity. His proposals include not only the creation of a new state but also the adoption of a rotational presidency and the establishment of state police services.
Mbah emphasised that the South-East, with only five states compared to six or more in other geopolitical zones, faces a historical injustice that must be rectified. “We believe that since the South-East is the only zone with five states, this should be corrected during this process of amendment,” he stated, underscoring the region’s marginalisation in terms of representation and resource allocation. The governor’s call aligns with the sentiments expressed at the South-East Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held in Enugu on Friday, where stakeholders reiterated the need for fairness across Nigeria’s regions.
The governor also championed the concept of a rotational presidency, arguing it would ensure every geopolitical zone, including the South-East, has a fair opportunity to lead the nation. “We think that adopting a rotational presidency will give the South-East and every other region a chance at the presidency,” Mbah said, adding that such a policy would foster a greater sense of belonging and reduce tensions caused by perceived domination. He further proposed that governorships rotate among senatorial zones and legislative seats among constituencies to enhance representation at all levels of governance.
On security, Mbah described state police as a “truly welcome development” that is long overdue, given the increasing security challenges across Nigeria. “We have advocated fervently for states to create their own police services, operating alongside the federal police but with clearly defined jurisdictions and operational parameters,” he explained. The governor highlighted that state police would enable more effective responses to local security concerns, complementing federal efforts.
The Senate Committee, led by Deputy Chief Whip Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, was in Enugu to gather inputs from South-East stakeholders ahead of the regional public hearing. Nwebonyi noted that the 1999 Constitution has faced widespread criticism for its military origins and failure to reflect Nigeria’s diverse interests, necessitating periodic amendments. Mbah assured the committee that Enugu and the South-East would present their positions formally during the hearing, reinforcing their commitment to these reforms.
Mbah’s proposals have sparked optimism among South-East leaders and residents, who see them as critical steps towards addressing long-standing inequities. As Nigeria continues its constitutional review process, the governor’s advocacy for a new state, rotational presidency, and state police could shape the nation’s path towards greater inclusivity and security.
