A former member of the Abia State House of Assembly and one-time Minority Whip, Hon. Dr. Mike Ukoha, has applauded the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitutional Review for approving the creation of an additional state in the Southeast geopolitical zone, describing the development as a victory for justice, equity, and true federal balance.
Hon. Dr. Mike Ukoha
Hon. Ukoha expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, for his tenacity, quality leadership, and strong commitment in championing the cause of the Southeast. He said Kalu’s tireless efforts and persuasive diplomacy during the committee’s retreat in Lagos were instrumental to the monumental decision.
"We owe Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, a deep sense of gratitude for standing firm and ensuring that the voice of the Southeast was finally heard. His leadership reflects true statesmanship, equity, and a strong desire to see a prosperous Nigeria where every region is equally represented,” Ukoha said.
The former lawmaker also commended the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives for their forthrightness in unanimously approving the creation of a sixth state for the Southeast, the only region with five states since 1999, while others have six or seven.
During the two-day retreat in Lagos, the Deputy Speaker, who co-chaired the Joint Committee alongside the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, made a compelling appeal to members to consider the Southeast’s request on the grounds of equity and national balance. His presentation was widely supported by lawmakers across all regions.
Hon. Ukoha specially thanked Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central (North East), who moved the motion for the creation of the additional state, and Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka of Ogun State (South West), who seconded the motion, leading to its unanimous adoption by the committee.
"This unity of purpose across regional lines shows that Nigeria can truly work when justice and fairness guide our national decisions. The Joint Committee deserves our unreserved applause,” Ukoha added.
He further highlighted the socioeconomic advantages the new state will bring to the Southeast, noting that it would enhance political representation, accelerate grassroots development, and expand opportunities for federal allocation and employment.
"The creation of an additional state will not only correct years of imbalance but bring government closer to the people,” he explained. “It means more funding for development from FAAC, more constituencies, more federal presence, and more opportunities for our youth.”
Hon. Ukoha described the approval as a unique milestone in the nation’s democratic journey and commended the 10th National Assembly for demonstrating fairness, courage, and sensitivity to the yearnings of the people of the Southeast, who have been denied such equity since the return of democracy in 1999.
"The 10th Assembly has written its name in gold. This decision will be remembered as a turning point for justice and national unity,” he said.
The ex-lawmaker called on Southeast leaders to sustain their huge support for the ongoing constitutional process until the new state is fully realized, noting that the region now stands on the threshold of a more inclusive and prosperous future.
