Rep kicks against inclusion of Ajaokuta in bill to create new state from Kogi

Sanni Egidi, a member of the house of representatives, has opposed the inclusion of Ajaokuta federal constituency in the proposal to create a new state from Kogi. 

During plenary on Thursday, Ibrahim Halims, lawmaker representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro federal constituency of Kogi, moved a motion for the second reading of a bill to create Okura state from Kogi — with Egume as the proposed capital.

Halims, who is the deputy majority leader of the house and sponsor of the bill, said the creation of the state would be justifiable as it would bring government closer to the people and rapidly develop the Igala nation.

“Our demand for the creation of Okura state derives justification from our historical antecedent,” he said.

“It dates back to 1964 when Igala native authority was ranked second to Kano native authority in revenue generation and capacity and was in the process of being made the 14th province in northern region through the northern house of assembly — before the military coup of 1966.

“Having lost the bid to be carved out as a province, it became part of Kwara state in 1967.”

The lawmaker said Okura satisfies all the requirements for the creation of a state.

“It is worthy of note that the 13 provinces in the then northern Nigeria have all been split into states, with the exception of Kabba province where the proposed Okura state belongs,” Halims added.

“In view of this historical and structural antecedent, the creation of Okura state at this point in time will ensure lasting peace and progress in the region.

“This will create equity, fairness and general sense of belonging as people of one united country.

“The proposed state lies to the east of the Niger and is inhabited by the Igalas — ninth largest ethnic group.”

Halims said if the state is created, it will bring government closer to the “long neglected people of Igala” and would ensure the equitable distribution of the nation’s resources to the people.

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Debating the bill, Egidi said his constituency of Ajaokuta cannot be part of the proposed new state.

The lawmaker said the map of the proposed new state should be redesigned to extricate Ajaokuta.

“For about two days, I have seen a map circulating in the social media where my constituency, Ajaokuta, is part of the proposed new state,” Egidi said.

“I want to put it to the house that I believe it is an error. I believe that it is not correct. Ajaokuta federal constituency is currently in Kogi state central senatorial district. It is not part of east senatorial district.

“I want the map to be redesigned.

“In as much as I agree with the creation of the new state, my constituency cannot be part of Okura state based on the following reasons: There is a natural boundary already, and I am not sure anybody from my constituency was consulted. My constituency should be out of it.”

Responding, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, said the lawmaker’s demand would be considered by the constitutional amendment committee when further proposals are received from stakeholders.

The bill was unanimously voted for when Abbas put it to a voice vote.