Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has thrown his weight behind the creation of a new state in Nigeria’s South-East region, describing it as a “necessity” to correct what he termed the long-standing imbalance in the country’s federal structure.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Abakaliki, the governor said the South-East had suffered political and structural disadvantages for decades, being the only region in the country with five states, while others have six or more.
“Yes, I would like another state to be created in the South-East because it is a necessity for the region. It will help address the imbalance we have seen over the years.”
The governor’s remarks came amid renewed agitation by leaders and stakeholders across the South-East for the creation of an additional state to bring parity with other geopolitical zones.
Proponents of the idea argued that the structural disparity has undermined the region’s access to federal resources and political representation.
When asked about speculations that Ebonyi State might lose three local government areas to form part of the proposed state, Governor Nwifuru declined to make any categorical statement.
“I am no longer in the legislature; I am now in the executive. I have not seen any document on that, and I cannot respond to a document I did not see.”
On a separate issue, the governor expressed concern over the rising trend of youths using social media to insult elders and public officials.
He described the behaviour as culturally unacceptable and warned that it could have social repercussions.
“People are cashing out. Our youths are venturing into insulting their elders, but they should know the traditional outcomes of such behaviour.”
Governor Nwifuru’s endorsement of the proposed state creation has been widely seen as a boost to the campaign for greater equity in Nigeria’s federal arrangement, which many in the South-East believe has long sidelined the region politically and economically.
