Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has urged the National Assembly to create two additional states in the Southeast geopolitical zone to address longstanding marginalization and ensure equity with other regions. The demand was made during a public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution held in Owerri, attended by stakeholders from Imo and Abia States.

Speaking at the event, Uzodinma emphasized that the Southeast, with only five states compared to other zones’ six or seven, faces underrepresentation in critical national institutions like the National Assembly and Federal Executive Council. “This imbalance has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity,” he stated, proposing the creation of Anim State, which he described as commercially viable due to its oil-producing potential, alongside another state to balance representation.

The governor highlighted the necessity of constitutional reforms to address grievances and agitations across Nigeria, advocating for inclusiveness, justice, and equity. He proposed a legal definition of indigenous status based on birth or long-term residence to foster a sense of belonging and called for the constitutional entrenchment of a rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones to promote national stability.

Uzodinma also endorsed decentralizing police powers to enhance responsiveness and effectiveness, urging the National Assembly to integrate these proposals into the constitutional review. “Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. But that strength must be harnessed through law and equity,” he stressed, encouraging the Southeast to use the review process to peacefully articulate demands rather than resorting to secessionist threats.

While supporting periodic reviews of the 1999 Constitution, Uzodinma clarified he does not advocate for its complete overhaul, describing it as a “work in progress” essential for fortifying Nigeria’s democracy. “There is no perfect Constitution anywhere in the world. This is why parliaments exist,” he noted.

Abia State’s Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, representing Governor Alex Otti, echoed the call for an inclusive constitution, state police, and free, compulsory universal basic education. He proposed legal safeguards, oversight committees, and a structured command model to prevent abuses in state policing.

The public hearing, held at Eze Imo Palace, was declared open by Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on the 1999 Constitution Review. Kalu described the exercise as a historic step to close gaps in Nigeria’s legal system and strengthen the constitution as a social contract reflecting contemporary realities and aspirations.

The event underscored the commitment of Southeast leaders to leverage the constitutional review to address regional disparities while fostering national unity through dialogue and legal reforms.