Proposed 31 states may render existing ones redundant — APC chieftain

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nurain Mumuni, has warned that the proposed creation of an additional 31 states may render some existing states redundant.

Mumuni gave the warning in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday through his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar.

Mumuni said that Nigeria is grappling with numerous economic challenges, including rising unemployment, inflation, and inadequate infrastructure.

He lamented that some states are still struggling to meet their financial obligations and sustain basic services for their citizens.

Mumuni maintained that the introduction of new states could exacerbate the situation, diverting attention and funding away from critical development needs.

He urged the legislators to reconsider the proposed creation of 31 new states in light of the pressing economic realities facing the nation.

The political leader called on the lawmakers to work together and focus on solutions that truly benefit the citizens.

He said: “The recent proposal for the creation of an additional 31 states in Nigeria has raised significant concerns in light of the current economic situation facing our nation. As representatives of the people, we must prioritize the welfare of our citizens and address the pressing issues that impact their daily lives.

“Nigeria is grappling with numerous economic challenges, including rising unemployment, inflation, and inadequate infrastructure. The creation of more states is unlikely to generate the necessary income or resources to improve these conditions. Instead, it may further strain our already limited financial resources and create additional bureaucratic challenges.

“Currently, several states in Nigeria struggle to meet their financial obligations and sustain basic services for their citizens. The introduction of new states could exacerbate this situation, diverting attention and funding away from critical development needs. The suffering and disenfranchisement of our citizens should be our foremost concern, and the creation of additional states does not address the core issues plaguing our nation.”

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Mumuni therefore called on the parliamentarians to set aside the proposal, but prioritise initiatives that would foster unity, peace, and effective governance over superficial divisions of the country.

He added: “Therefore, we call upon the Nigerian legislature to set aside the proposal for creating new states and instead focus on consolidating our efforts towards economic recovery and development. Let us direct our energies towards enhancing the capabilities of existing states, promoting sustainable economic growth, and improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.

“We must prioritise initiatives that foster unity, peace, and effective governance over superficial divisions that do not serve the interests of our citizens. Our collective future depends on making decisions grounded in practicality and concern for the well-being of the population.

“In conclusion, we urge the legislature to reconsider the proposed creation of 31 new states in light of the pressing economic realities facing our nation. Let us work together, focusing on solutions that truly benefit the citizens of Nigeria.”