Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has called for the creation of new states in Nigeria’s South-East region, citing under-representation in national institutions as a key reason for the demand.

Speaking on Saturday during the South-East zonal public hearing on the 1999 Constitution review for Imo and Abia States, held in Owerri, Governor Uzodimma said the current state distribution across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones is imbalanced and limits the South-East’s voice in national affairs.

“Every other zone has six or more [states]. This imbalance has led to under-representation in critical national institutions, from the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council. It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity,” he stated.

To address the disparity, Uzodimma proposed the creation of Anim State, highlighting its potential to attain oil-producing status and become economically self-sustaining. He also advocated for the creation of additional local government areas in the region to enhance grassroots governance.

Beyond state creation, Governor Uzodimma pushed for a rotational presidency among all six geopolitical zones, rather than the current north-south rotation model. He further backed the establishment of state police, noting that the current centralized structure is “often disconnected from local realities.”

The hearing, part of a nationwide constitutional review process by the National Assembly, drew participation from key stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians, women’s groups, and civil society organisations.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, was represented at the hearing by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, who expressed cautious opposition to the creation of new states.

“I am more concerned about the additional burden these proposals, if adopted, would add to the lean resources of the nation through the multiplication of administrative costs and further bloating of an oversized bureaucracy,” Emetu stated.

He urged that focus be placed instead on inclusive governance within the existing state structure, ensuring that all major clans are fairly represented in political participation and resource allocation.

However, Emetu aligned with Uzodimma on the need for state police, arguing that the current centralized system has left many Nigerians vulnerable to security threats.

The constitutional review process continues across other zones as part of the National Assembly’s effort to gather public input on pressing issues such as electoral reform, devolution of powers, and structural adjustments including state creation and policing reform.