News Investigators/ Former Deputy Governor of Niger, Amb Ahmed Ibeto, has called for the creation of Kainji State from the current Niger and some parts of Kebbi to ensure justice, equity, and fairness among its diverse populations.
Mr Ibeto made the call at the zonal public hearing for the North-West zone constitutional review on Sunday in Kano.
He said their demands for the state creation was being made by three Emirates, two from Niger, which are Kontagora and Borgu, and one from Kebbi, which is Zuru Emirate.
Mr Ibeto pointed out that because of the land mass, some places could not be effectively governed, and hence the increasing spate of the insecurity.
He stressed, “If those places are partitioned to another unit in the form of a state, they would be effectively governed.”
Mr Ibeto further said the vastness and ethno-cultural diversity of Niger makes it difficult to guarantee balanced development, equitable political representation, and fair resource allocation.
“If justice, equity, and fairness are to prevail, there is a need for Niger to be split into additional states,” Ibeto said.
According to him, the state, with 25 local government areas and multiple ethnic groups spread across three Senatorial Districts, is overdue for restructuring to address the growing needs of its people.
Mr Ibeto added that smaller and more manageable states would foster development, enhance governance, and deepen democracy at the grassroots.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain urged the National Assembly to consider the memoranda submitted by various groups advocating the creation of new states, especially from large states like Niger.
He emphasised that states’ creation should not be viewed as a political favour but as a constitutional necessity in the interest of national cohesion.
NAN
