Bill to create Ogoja state from Cross River scales second reading at house of reps

A bill seeking to create a new state in the south-south geopolitical zone has passed second reading in the house of representatives.

The proposed legislation, which is co-sponsored by Godwin Offiono from Cross River, and three other lawmakers — scaled second reading during plenary on Thursday.

The lawmakers are proposing to alter the 1999 constitution to create Ogoja state from Cross River.

The bill was voted for when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

The presiding officer referred the bill to the committee on constitutional review.

This adds to the plethora of bills seeking to create new states in the country.

LEGISLATIVE HURDLE

The national assembly is currently amending the 1999 Constitution.

In January, Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, said the amendment would be completed in December 2025.

Amending the constitution to create a new state or adjust boundaries is an arduous task.

Section 8(1) of the constitution stipulates that a new state can only be created if it is supported by “at least two-thirds majority of members (representing the area demanding the creation of the new state) in each of the following, namely — “(i) the Senate and the House of Representatives. (ii) the House of Assembly in respect of the area”.

“(iii) And the local government councils in respect of the area is received by the National Assembly; (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for the creation of the state originated.

“(c) The result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the states of the Federation, supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly.

“(d) The proposal is approved by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of members of each House of the National Assembly.”

No state has been created since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.