Southeast Loses N17.4tn Due To Absence Of Sixth State, Osita Chidoka
Former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka reveals the South-East zone lost an estimated ₦17.4 trillion over 29 years due to the absence of a sixth state, highlighting significant economic and political marginalization in federal allocations and local government revenue.
Former Aviation Minister and Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Osita Chidoka, says that the South-East zone has lost about N17.4 trillion in the past 29 years due to the non-creation of a sixth state, which would have contributed significantly to federal allocations and local government revenue accruing to the region.
Chidoka,who is also the Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership,
said this humongous figure, adjusted for inflation and devaluation, highlights the region’s ongoing economic and political marginalisation, with profound implications for representation, federal receipts, and governance.
He spoke as the apex Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, called for action on the creation of the sixth state in the South-East for balanced and equitable representation as well as reversing decades of marginalisation, underdevelopment and underrepresentation of the zone.
Chidoka, spoke while addressing members of the ‘Otu Oka-Iwu’ (Association of Igbo Lawyers), weekend. according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Ikechukwu Okafor.
He lamented that the South-East has suffered significant financial losses, due to the lack of a sixth state, which would have brought in additional federal allocations and expanded local government revenue.
His words, “The absence of a sixth state in the South-East is not just a political oversight but a direct financial loss for our region. Over the past 29 years, the South-East has lost over N17 trillion, which could have fuelled economic development, improved infrastructure and enhanced our political representation in the National Assembly.
“This loss is unsustainable, and it is time for us to come together and take the necessary steps to stop these ongoing losses.
He spoke as the apex Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, called for action on the creation of the sixth state in the South-East for balanced and equitable representation as well as reversing decades of marginalisation, underdevelopment and underrepresentation of the zone.
Chidoka, spoke while addressing members of the ‘Otu Oka-Iwu’ (Association of Igbo Lawyers), weekend. according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Ikechukwu Okafor.
He lamented that the South-East has suffered significant financial losses, due to the lack of a sixth state, which would have brought in additional federal allocations and expanded local government revenue.
His words, “The absence of a sixth state in the South-East is not just a political oversight but a direct financial loss for our region. Over the past 29 years, the South-East has lost over N17 trillion, which could have fuelled economic development, improved infrastructure and enhanced our political representation in the National Assembly.
“This loss is unsustainable, and it is time for us to come together and take the necessary steps to stop these ongoing losses.
Chidoka further urged the South-East leaders to unite and follow the constitutional process for state creation, reminding the region that the process, as stipulated in Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, involves the following steps:
“A formal request for the creation of a new state supported by at least a two-thirds majority of the Senate, House of Representatives, state Houses of Assembly, and local government councils in the affected area.
“Approval through a referendum, where at least two-thirds of the people in the affected area must support the creation of the new state.
“Approval by a simple majority of all states and their respective Houses of Assembly.
“Final approval by a two-thirds majority of both chambers of the National Assembly.”
According to him, "Now is the time for the South-East to formally request the creation of the sixth state, following the prescribed constitutional process. This is the only way to stop the representation and federal allocation losses.
“We must stop crying about the absence of the sixth state and instead focus on what is required to make it a reality. The South-East must place the burden on the Nigerian state to officially recognise our need for equitable representation, resources, and political power.”
“Approval through a referendum, where at least two-thirds of the people in the affected area must support the creation of the new state.
“Approval by a simple majority of all states and their respective Houses of Assembly.
“Final approval by a two-thirds majority of both chambers of the National Assembly.”
According to him, "Now is the time for the South-East to formally request the creation of the sixth state, following the prescribed constitutional process. This is the only way to stop the representation and federal allocation losses.
“We must stop crying about the absence of the sixth state and instead focus on what is required to make it a reality. The South-East must place the burden on the Nigerian state to officially recognise our need for equitable representation, resources, and political power.”
He also urged South-East leaders to play national politics, putting aside internal divisions, by working together to secure the region’s future.
Among those who were present on he occasion included Senator Ned Nwoko, who made a passionate case for creating Anioma State as the sixth Igbo state, noting that it would expand Igboland and contribute an additional 9,000 square kilometres to the region.
Nwoko emphasised the need for the South-East to strengthen its territorial and political influence by creating a new state fostering greater unity and development.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Emeka Obegolu, who also spoke on the occasion, noted the political will required to secure the creation of the sixth state for the South-East.
He called for concerted efforts and commitment from the region’s political leadership to ensure that the demand for the new state is taken seriously and given the momentum needed for successful implementation.
Among those who were present on he occasion included Senator Ned Nwoko, who made a passionate case for creating Anioma State as the sixth Igbo state, noting that it would expand Igboland and contribute an additional 9,000 square kilometres to the region.
Nwoko emphasised the need for the South-East to strengthen its territorial and political influence by creating a new state fostering greater unity and development.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Emeka Obegolu, who also spoke on the occasion, noted the political will required to secure the creation of the sixth state for the South-East.
He called for concerted efforts and commitment from the region’s political leadership to ensure that the demand for the new state is taken seriously and given the momentum needed for successful implementation.
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