Senate President Godswill Akpabio has firmly dismissed widespread claims that the National Assembly has approved the creation of new states, cautioning communities against premature celebrations and unauthorised mobilisation. His statement came during Tuesday’s plenary session in response to growing public speculation and concerns raised by lawmakers.
Akpabio revealed that the Senate’s Constitution Review Committee has received a staggering 42 proposals for state creation from various regions across Nigeria. However, he stressed that none of these proposals has undergone the rigorous legislative process required for approval.
“I have seen over 42 proposals, but not one has gone through full deliberation,” Akpabio stated, emphasising the complexity of Nigeria’s constitutional amendment procedures. “The process of creating a state is very rigorous and has not been completed in any instance.”
The Senate President issued a stern warning to communities and interest groups holding meetings or rallies in anticipation of new states, clarifying that no such approvals have been granted. His remarks followed reports of heightened political activities in some regions, where agitators have mistakenly assumed their demands had been met.
“Do not be misled by rumours or unauthorised pronouncements,” Akpabio cautioned. “Only official communications from the National Assembly should be considered valid on matters of constitutional amendments.”
Creating a new state in Nigeria is an exceptionally complex process, requiring: A two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Approval by at least 24 out of 36 state legislatures. Presidential assent to finalise the constitutional amendment.
Given these stringent requirements, analysts suggest that most proposals are unlikely to succeed without broad political consensus. Akpabio’s statement appears aimed at tempering expectations and preventing unrest among groups lobbying for new states.
For now, the National Assembly maintains that no new states are imminent, and Nigerians are advised to await official announcements rather than rely on rumours or unverified claims.
