Hope Uzodinma Pushes Correction of Structural Imbalances in Constitution Amendment
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has called for far-reaching amendments to the 1999 Constitution, urging the National Assembly to address long-standing structural imbalances affecting the South-East and the broader Nigerian federation.
Speaking at the South-East Zonal Public Hearing on the Constitution Review for Imo and Abia States, held in Owerri on Saturday, the governor emphasized the need for equity, fairness, and inclusion in the nation’s governance structure.
Governor Uzodimma highlighted the underrepresentation of the South-East zone, which currently comprises only five states, unlike other geopolitical zones with six or more. He called for the creation of at least two additional states in the region.
“This imbalance has led to underrepresentation in critical national institutions, from the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council,” Uzodimma stated. “It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity. Therefore, it’s only fair and just that we ask for the creation of at least two additional states in the South-East.”
The governor proposed Anim State as one of the new states, describing it as commercially viable with oil-producing status and a strong revenue base to sustain itself. He also called for the creation of new local government areas within the zone.
Recalling the shared history of the region, Uzodimma noted that Owerri once served as the capital of all South-East residents before the creation of new states and capitals such as Umuahia and Abakaliki.
He expressed optimism that more state capitals like Orlu, Aba, and Nsukka would emerge in the future through collective efforts.
On the controversial issue of indigeneship, Governor Uzodimma called for a constitutional redefinition of the term to reflect modern realities.
“We need to legally define indigenship by birth or long-term residence – say 10 years,” he said. “Anyone born in a state or has lived in a state for upwards of 10 years should be a legitimate indigene of that state. This is common practice in advanced democracies.”
Referencing the historic example of Mallam Umaru Altine, a northerner who became Mayor of Enugu in 1952, the governor said Nigeria has the potential for unity if the constitution aligns with historical precedents.
He also advocated for a rotational presidency to be enshrined in the constitution, not just between North and South but among all six geo-political zones.
“This is not about tokenism but national stability,” Uzodimma argued. “If Nigerians know that the presidency will rotate among the six zones, it will remove the fear of domination and deepen the sense of inclusion in the country.”
Furthermore, Uzodimma renewed calls for the creation of state police to address rising security challenges. As Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, he affirmed that the majority of governors support decentralizing the policing system.
“The fear that governors will misuse such a force is unfounded and frankly outdated. We cannot allow the past to paralyse the future when our citizens are crying out for safety and order at the grassroots,” he stated.
Uzodimma urged the Constitution Review Committee to embrace equity and national unity in its deliberations.
“Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. But that strength must be harnessed through law and equity. Therefore, our Constitution must reflect our shared values, not just our shared borders,” he concluded.
The public hearing is part of the ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution to reflect evolving national demands for justice, federalism, and inclusion.
