State creation, local government expansion, enhanced roles for traditional rulers, and community policing took centre stage at the Northwest Centre B zonal public hearing on the 1999 Constitution Review Bill 2025, held by the House of Representatives Committee in Sokoto on Saturday.
Stakeholders submitted memoranda urging reforms to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including the establishment of a special tribunal for electoral offences and improved synergy among security agencies to curb ballot box snatching, electoral malpractice, and other violations. These suggestions were notably highlighted by Ambassador Ibrahim Tudu from Zamfara State.
Proponents advocating for the creation of additional states cited population growth, economic viability, mineral resources, and the need to bring governance closer to the grassroots as justifications. Notable among these were the proposals for the creation of Kainji State from parts of Niger and Kebbi States, and Gobir State out of Sokoto State, along with demands for more local government areas.
Various civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional institutions, religious leaders (Ulamas), labour unions including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and individuals from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States made submissions on both regional and national issues.
The agitation for Kainji State was said to have started in 1994 under various platforms. Presenting the case, the National President of Zuru Emirate Development Society, Air Vice Marshal Sallau Salihu Bala (rtd), stated that the proposed state would comprise three emirates—Kontagora, Borgu, and Zuru—with Kontagora as the proposed capital due to its central location.
According to him, Kainji State has an estimated population of over 3.4 million people and a landmass of 47,395 km², surpassing the qualifications of at least 10 existing states spread across five geopolitical zones.
“The proposed Kainji state will have 12 LGs”, as he justified among other component advantage of economic viability, massive arable land for livestock venture, and vegetation , enterprising and readiness with capacity to develop and ensure closeness of governance to its people with common cultural, tribal and traditional heritage .
“We have met all the requisite components to qualify the creation of Kainji state having considered all that qualifies a state to become”
Also, the creation of Gobir state out of present Sokoto state which had earlier splitted for the emergence of Kebbi and Zamfara states , caught attention with demand for additional three LGs to make it 11, all from the eastern Senatorial District .
The District had 8 LGs and demanding 3 more with two from Sokoto(Tangaza, Gudu) and one( Shinkafi) from Zamfara state.
It explained that the proposed Gobir state was economically viable and arable with numerous agricultural and mineral potentials to develop with enterprising youth population in addition to dam facilities at Goronyo and Luggu respectively.
The submission also explained how beneficial it would be in terms of food crop production and revenue generation to be able to sustain its self as a state.
The submission pointed out that historically, Gobir state is second to non in large scale farming especially onions and water melon production among others in the country , a comparative economic advantage that would attract foreign investors and development.
Hitherto, much emphasis were placed on the need to allocate constitutional responsibilities to traditional rulers in the course of governance, recalling their historical and traditional contributions to cultural (values, norms, morals) for peace and harmonious living as local and grassroots leaders.
It was stated that if formally recognised by the constitution , would enhance national unity, progress, peace and development.
According to the various speakers for the traditional rulers , they were the custodians of what drove every Nigerian citizen to prosperity in terms of many positive contributions from time in memorial.
On the issue of community policing, Professor TK.Baba argued that it was more reasonable, secure and acceptable to embrace the initiative in the constitutional review that dwelling on state police creation.
Baba said nothing would insulate state police from politics and personal wutchunt particularly where an opposition is in power.
He said community policing was the best to brace and complement the existing force especially on intelligence gathering at the grassroots where most emerging crimes were happening. It will also create employment and develop the intelligence levels of those at the grassroots.
Earlier , Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Sada Soli representing Jibiya Federal Constituency pointed out that the greatness of the country lied in its abilities to have difficult conversations , to listen, to debate and to find common ground .
According to him, Nigerians must rise above division, embrace their shared destiny and build a nation where justice , equity and progress were not just ideals, but every day realities.
He assured that all submissions would be compiled and presented at the national level and ensure that the constitution reflects the realities .
“We will ensure inclusive and transparent constitution review that will in fairness, brace the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians irrespective of backgrounds”, Hon Soli emphasised with passion while thanking Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for providing the committee all necessary support.
He also extended acknowledgment remarks to representatives of Kebbi and Zamfara states , Sultan and other key stakeholders for their unflinching efforts and contributions as participants.
