Bode George responded to the proposals in 31 New South Wales and called for a real federal system.
Nigeria News Nalin It is reported that former Democratic Deputy Democratic Chairman George Chief George strongly opposed the call for the establishment of 31 states in Nigeria, saying the move is unsustainable and unsustainable in addressing the country’s challenges.
In an interview with Nigeria News Agency on Sunday, George said that the creation of a state can neither solve the structural problems of the state nor promote meaningful development.
His remarks were in response to the latest statement from House Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who revealed that the house had received proposals for the creation of 31 New South Wales.
Kalu, chaired by the House Constitutional Review Committee, revealed that the proposed countries include:
North Central: Okon, Okura and Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala and Apa (Benue); FCT status.
northeast: Amani (Adamawa); katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); Muri (Tarabah).
northwest: New Kaduna and celebrations (Kaduna); Tiga and Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi).
southeast: Descend (Euug); ORLU (IMO); no longer (come); center and Urashi.
South-South: Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori and Obolo (River).
southwest: Torumbe (Aldo); Ibadan (OCO); Lagoon (Lagos/War); Jets (War); County Battle/Anna (Oyo/War/Fountain).
Despite these suggestions, many political stakeholders believe that the idea is unnecessary. George responded to this sentiment, insisting that Nigeria’s focus should be on reorganization rather than creating more countries.
“Don’t tell me we should create more countries. Forget more countries. We want to create more countries and then everyone will be anxious about Abuja. This is unsustainable,” George asserted.
He stressed the importance of adopting a federal structure that truly empowers the American system.
“Let’s first look at the federal structure, which is the same as the federal system we run with the United States. Why don’t we run it while they run?
“Go to New York City, the mayor of New York controls the airport – John Kennedy – He controls the port, the harbor. The mayor of New York, not the governor.
“Go to New Orleans, where the mayor controls the port. The same is true for Texas; all oil companies are not controlled by the president. That’s federal. These people don’t run to Washington every hour to meet the president.
“In the United States, they have state police and even county police. Why can’t we do that here? Creating more countries is unsustainable. What we need now is to solve problems in our federal structure,” he said.
George further called for decentralization, stressing that the authorization of the state will catalyze national development.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the current constitution, describing it as a dysfunction and advocated a comprehensive overhaul.
“The current constitution does not work. The center has too much power to leave states and local governments helpless and powerless.”
He stressed that Nigeria has abundant resources in all regions but believes that centralized governance hinders effective utilization.
“In this country, the Almighty has no state. It is agriculture, minerals or human resources.
“But the constitution of this country is not right. We need to revisit it and allow all of these states to manage their resources.
“This is the beginning of cleaning this country. Nothing can work because the foundation is wrong,” he said.
George urged the federal government to adopt the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference (Confab) as a way to achieve a true federal system and address the governance challenges in Nigeria.
