States Creation: House Of Representatives Extends Deadline

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has revealed that none of the thirty requests for state creation met the constitutional requirements, citing Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution.

Kalu, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, made this revelation during a two-day retreat for committee members in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

The Deputy Speaker extended the submission deadline to next month, allowing for further input and possible revisions.

“Although we have received 31 requests for state creation, none of these requests met the constitutional requirements for amendment.

“Therefore, we have since extended the submission date to the 5th of March, 2025. But this retreat could in our resolution extend it further if we find out that there are still challenges that the people we represent in their efforts to make their voices heard.”

The lawmaker, who stated that the committee is currently reviewing about two hundred and fifty constitutional amendment bills, highlighted some of the challenges faced and efforts being made to streamline the process.

Kalu urged members of the committee to work diligently and objectively, ensuring that the final amendments reflect the will of Nigerians, as this would strengthen the country’s democracy and governance structure.