The House of Representatives has issued a clarification regarding recent media reports that suggested the creation of 31 new states. In a press statement released on Thursday, the House stated that the proposals for the creation of new states, currently under consideration, are private member bills and do not reflect the official stance of the legislative body.
During plenary, the Deputy Speaker, who also serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review (HCCR), addressed the issue, explained that the Committee had received 31 proposals for new states. However, he emphasized that these proposals were not official motions by the House but private bills submitted for review.
The Deputy Speaker went on to highlight the mandatory constitutional requirements for the creation of new states as outlined in Section 8(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. According to this section, for such bills to progress, they must be supported by at least a two-thirds majority of members representing the area demanding the new state in both the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the local government and state assembly.
The Deputy Speaker further clarified the process for creating new Local Government Councils, referring to Section 8(3) of the Constitution, which mandated a referendum and the submission of results from State Houses of Assembly before any action can be taken.
The House of Representatives has called for the resubmission of the proposals by March 5, 2025, in full compliance with constitutional requirements. The submissions will undergo rigorous scrutiny, including public hearings and consultations, before any potential amendments can be made.
The House also reiterated its commitment to a transparent and inclusive constitutional review process that reflects the views and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that the proposals for new states are still in the preliminary stages and will be subject to thorough legislative examination before any action is taken.
