The Senate has ruled out the creation of new states in the country.
The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution made this decision after observing that, apart from the lack of resources, the exercise may fuel national tension and further polarise the country.
There are agitations across the six geo-political zones that states should be increased from 36 to 56.
The Senate Committee however surmised that creating new states will amount to creating additional burden.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan, who spoke on the report of the Constitution Review, said the recommendations, which would be harmonised before the Constitution Amendment Bill is passed, will top the agenda of the Senate after the Christmas recess.
A member of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review said: “We are no longer considering agitation for state creation because there is a new development with the call for restructuring.
“If the nation bows to the pressure for restructuring, it is a bigger picture than state creation. So, restructuring is taking the centre stage.
“It is even apparent that we have weak states. There is no basis for new ones. Besides, state creation can lead to more political discord and tension in the country. We do not want to add to the security challenges nationwide.
“Some geo-political zones are not keen on new states. The polarisation in Northcentral alone can lead to a major crisis in the zone. It appears only the Southeast is more coherent in its demand for a new state.
“It is not easy to meet the conditions for creation of new states without political rancour. We cannot and should not add to the prevalent tension in the country.”
