At Constitution Review Hearing, Imo Governor champions equitable representation, state police, and redefined indigene status for national unity.
Owerri, Nigeria – The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has made a bold call for constitutional amendments that would reshape Nigeria’s political and structural landscape, including the creation of two additional states in the South-East, rotational presidency among all six geopolitical zones, and legal redefinition of indigene status to enhance unity and equity.
Speaking at the South-East Zonal Constitution Review Public Hearing for Imo and Abia states held in Owerri, Governor Uzodimma underscored the long-standing imbalance in state creation that has left the South-East as the only region with five states, compared to six or more in other zones.
“This imbalance has led to underrepresentation in critical national institutions, from the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council,” Uzodimma said. “It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity. Therefore, it’s only fair and just that we ask for the creation of at least two additional states in the Southeast.”
He specifically proposed the creation of “Anim State,” highlighting its potential oil-producing status, which would make it both economically viable and self-sustaining. He added that the formation of new states should go hand-in-hand with the creation of additional local government areas.
Pushing for deeper political reforms, Uzodimma urged the review committee to consider enshrining a rotational presidency, not just along the North–South divide, but across the six geopolitical zones, to reflect Nigeria’s diversity and foster national cohesion.
“If Nigerians know the presidency will rotate among the six zones, it will remove the fear of domination and deepen the sense of inclusion in the country,” he argued.
He noted that zoning has already eased tensions in federal appointments and suggested that a formalized rotation of presidential power would solidify trust in the federation.
The governor also advocated for a constitutional redefinition of indigene status, suggesting that any Nigerian born in a state or who has resided there for at least 10 years should be recognized as an indigene.
“We should not speak from both sides of our mouths. Anyone who lives and contributes meaningfully to a state should be accorded full recognition. This is common practice in advanced democracies,” he said.
Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, strongly backed the creation of state police, saying that Nigeria’s centralized security system is “overstretched and disconnected from local realities.”
He dismissed concerns about misuse of state police by governors as outdated, insisting that the focus should be on responding to the growing insecurity and need for grassroots safety.
Concluding his remarks, the governor emphasized the need for a Constitution that mirrors Nigeria’s diversity and shared values, rather than one that simply defines territorial boundaries.
“Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. But that strength must be harnessed through law and equity,” Uzodimma stated. “As you tour the country on this important assignment, may you be guided by the hope of millions who seek a Constitution that truly belongs to them.”
The Constitution Review public hearing continues across the country as various regions present their aspirations for a more equitable and representative Nigeria.
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