Why Regional Government Is The Key To Nigeria’s Future – Agbakoba SAN

“Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN dismisses the push for new state creation in Nigeria, advocating for a return to regional government to better address the country’s socio-economic challenges.”

Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has criticized the recent push by some House of Representatives members for the creation of new states in the South-East, labeling it a misplaced priority. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Agbakoba emphasized the need for regional government as a more effective solution to Nigeria’s socio-economic issues.

The House of Representatives recently passed a bill for the second reading that seeks the creation of Etiti State from parts of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. The bill, sponsored by Reps Godwin Ogah, Miriam Onuoha, Kama Nkemkama, Princess Nnabuife, and Anayo Onwuegbu, aims to ensure balanced regional development and effective governance.

Supporters argue that new states like Etiti would address regional imbalances and promote inclusivity. Similarly, Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta North) has advocated for the creation of Anioma State to correct perceived marginalization of the South-East.

However, Agbakoba argues that Nigeria does not need more states. He believes that the current 36 states are mostly economically unviable and incapable of driving development. Instead, he advocates for restructuring Nigeria into regional governments to reflect the country’s diversity better.

“State creation at this present harsh economic time will lead to an increase in the number of National Assembly members, ministers, local governments, and others, which would further increase the cost of governance,” Agbakoba stated. He stressed that most Nigerians are already struggling due to rising food prices and insecurity.

Agbakoba proposed collapsing the 36 states into six to eight regions, each led by a regional leader. This would require amending or rewriting the 1999 Constitution to accommodate the new structure. He highlighted the success of regional governments in Nigeria’s past, citing leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Michael Okpara, and Ahmadu Bello.

The push for a sixth state in the South-East is driven by a desire for federal allocation based on the number of states. However, Agbakoba argues that adding a new state will not solve Nigeria’s hunger, insecurity, poverty, or unemployment. He believes that regional government would allow unviable states to merge and become stronger.

“A regional system of government will better address the developmental needs of the regions and reduce the cost of governance,” Agbakoba concluded, urging Nigerians to focus on practical solutions for development rather than emotional appeals for state creation.