Give South-East more states – Ohanaeze begs President Tinubu
Give South-East more states – Ohanaeze begs President Tinubu
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Ahamed Tinubu to exercise the needed political will and courage to address the historical state creation imbalance in the country.
The Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who made the demand through a press statement issued on Sunday in Abakaliki with a title “A Call for Equity: Proposed 31 States Must Acknowledge Southern Needs” said there was the need to make up the states in the south to 19 to bring it to parity with states in the north.
According to him, the President and House of Representatives should be concerned about creating two states; one for the Southeast and the other for the South-south to bring to an end the intimidation against the aspirations of the Southern populace.
The Statement reads in part “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people and, by extension, the Southern regions of Nigeria, unequivocally voices its profound objections to the recent proposal put forth by the House of Representatives advocating for the creation of thirty-one new states. This proposal is an exercise in futility, characterized by a blatant lack of credibility and a fundamental misunderstanding of the criteria essential for the establishment of viable political entities.
“We commend the leadership of the House, particularly the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his forthright dismissal of this proposal, which fails to meet basic constitutional requirements. His remarks serve not only as a necessary disclaimer but as a vital effort to preserve the integrity and dignity of our legislative institutions. The suggestion to create an unwieldy number of new states is, frankly, premature and displays a level of immaturity unbecoming of our representatives. Such proposals do nothing but cast a shadow over the stature of the House of Representatives and compromise its essential role in governance.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo staunchly reaffirms its position that any discourse regarding state creation must prioritize the Southern region of Nigeria, which has been historically underrepresented. The Northern region, currently endowed with nineteen states—a configuration established by past military regimes—benefits from an unfair numerical advantage that has led to systemic inequities. This disparity has long been employed as a strategic instrument of intimidation against the governance and development of the Southern populace.
“In this context, we urgently appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to summon the political will and moral strength necessary to correct this longstanding imbalance in state representation. The political and economic advantages enjoyed by the North, due in large part to its nineteen states, must be counterbalanced by the creation of two additional states in the South. Our immediate recommendation is that the first of these new states be established in the Southeast, which currently consists of just five states. It is imperative that the Southeast achieves parity with other geopolitical zones, particularly the Northwest, which boasts seven states.
“Moreover, we propose that the allocation of the second new state be judiciously considered for either the Southwest or the South-South region. This strategic adjustment is not merely a numeric correction; it represents a critical step toward addressing the long-standing grievances of the Southern populace and fostering a more equitable distribution of power across the federation.
“The imperative for action is now clearer than ever. By fostering this equity, President Tinubu will not only be advancing the cause of justice for the Southern regions but also dismantling the historical political and economic dominance that has marginalized our people for far too long. The establishment of these two states is essential for ensuring that the Southern regions are empowered to contribute significantly to the national dialogue and development agenda.
“In closing, Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in its commitment to achieve fairness and equity for our people. We assert that the time has come for President Tinubu to take decisive action. The creation of two additional states within the Southern regions is not merely a policy recommendation; it is a clarion call for justice, equality, and national unity. A stronger, more equitable Nigeria is possible if we take the necessary steps to right the imbalances of the past”.
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Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence
Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has expressed deep sorrow, over the brutal killing of a woman, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of the state.
The governor described the incident as barbaric, senseless, and a grave assault on human dignity.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday, Gov. Yusuf extended his condolences to the bereaved’s family, the people of Dorayi Chiranchi, and the entire Kano State.
He prayed that Allah grants the departed souls, eternal rest and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Meanwhile, the governor vowed that his administration would ensure that perpetrators of the tragic incident, are brought to justice.
He directed the Kano State Police Command to immediately hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
According to the statement, Gov. Yusuf also ordered the Kano Neighborhood Corps, to intensify patrols and community surveillance across vulnerable areas, to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.
He called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities, while assuring that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.( NAN)
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‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory
‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Tinubu described the achievement as a “bronze that feels like gold,” praising the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles and our national team players,” the President said.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.
The Super Eagles defeated Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, via penalties after regulation time ended in a draw.
Tinubu commended the team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco, on Wednesday.
He said the players demonstrated determination, persistence and the can-do spirit for which Nigeria is known.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” Tinubu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bronze medal is Nigeria’s ninth in AFCON history.
Nigeria has now won the AFCON title three times, finished runners-up four times and claimed third place on record nine occasions.
Tinubu said Nigerians would be proud as the team receives their bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco,” he said. (NAN)
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Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud
Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud
An estimated 3 million followers of Tijaniyya Islamic Sect from within and outside the country, on Saturday, converged on Katsina for the celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud, 2026.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, was organised by the “Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass”.
The Chairman, organising committee, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi-Balarabe, said that they anticipated about 4 million guests from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as West and North African countries.
NAN gathered that almost all hotel rooms in Katsina metropolis were occupied by those who came from far places, the situation made some residents to provide their unoccupied houses for their visitors as a demonstration of hospitality.
Those who could not afford to lodge in hotel rooms slept in the stadium in spite of the cold weather.
Before 9a.m. of Saturday, the stadium had already filled to capacity, both the seats and pitch were occupied by people, while all available surrounding spaces inside the stadium were later occupied by people.
The dual carriage road linking to the venue from the WTC roundabout up to Barhin roundabout was filled up by people.
NAN also observed that the event presented opportunities for traders, especially those selling food, water, soft drinks, herbal medicine, clothing materials, books, among others to make brisk businesses.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauchi, thanked the Katsina State Government for hosting the historic event and prayed Allah to bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the state, Northern Nigeria and the country in general.
In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Muslims to continue to stand firm in obeying the commandments of their creator.
He advised them to intensify efforts in seeking Allah’s forgiveness, follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), endeavour to seek for knowledge, and engage in business activities to become self reliant.
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina, thanked the organisers for choosing his state to host the 2026 Maulud.
He appreciated the scholars for offerings prayers for peace and stability in the state and the country at large.
Radda revealed that with such prayers, peace was gradually returning to the state and urged them to sustain the prayers for the overall betterment of the state and Nigeria.
Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ eldest son, Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim-Nyass, represented by his younger brother, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim-Nyass, prayed Allah to repose the soul of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, who passed away some months ago.
He urged the Muslims across the globe to continue to be united, love one-another and uphold the sect firmly.
A special prayer was also offered for Katsina, Nigeria and the leaders. (NAN)
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