Stakeholders in Nigeria’s South-South region have called for the creation of more states, stronger resource control, and true federalism during a constitutional review hearing in Calabar.
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The session was held by the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee (Zone B), led by Minority Leader Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The committee has been touring the country to gather public input on amending the 1999 Constitution.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
Chinda described the exercise as a turning point, saying Parliament must engage with citizens directly. “We want a people-owned constitution. This is why we’ve set up two centers in each zone to collect submissions,” he said.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
He added that inputs from Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River States will be presented to the National Assembly. “The plan is to complete two rounds of amendments before the end of this 10th Assembly,” he stated.
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At the Calabar hearing, there was strong support for creating Ogoja State from Cross River. Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the state governor, said the move would spur regional development and bring governance closer to the people. “The Cross River government has no objection. If the people want it, it will benefit both Ogoja and the rest of the state,” he said.
Professor Eyo Etim Nyong, a respected academic, criticized the current constitution as lopsided and outdated. “It was drafted to favor one part of the country. This review is long overdue. We stand by the process,” he said.
Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu, urged the committee to ensure the South-South’s voice is reflected in the final draft. “This process is essential to unity and development,” he said.
The hearing brought together traditional leaders, civil society groups, women, and youth representatives—all submitting memoranda on key national issues.
The committee is expected to compile and submit these inputs to the National Assembly for debate, with final ratification by State Assemblies. Many Nigerians now await whether this review will deliver a more inclusive and equitable constitution.
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