Apa State to wait as Senate dashes Nigerians’ hopes, says no decision on state creation yet

The hope of the Idoma people for the long-awaited creation of Apa State from Benue appears to have been dashed—at least for now—as the Senate has denied approving the creation of any new states in Nigeria.

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and other lawmakers have firmly refuted widespread reports claiming that the Senate had reached a landmark decision to approve the creation of 12 new states across the country. The rumoured list, which included Apa State, had sparked excitement among various ethnic groups who have long agitated for recognition and administrative independence.

But speaking on the Senate floor on Monday, Senator Abdul Ningi, a member of the Constitution Review Committee, described the reports as “fake, toxic, and irresponsible.” He clarified that no such recommendation had been submitted to the main committee, let alone deliberated upon or approved.

“I’m a member of the Constitution Review Committee. First, our report from the zonal perspective has not been submitted to the main constitution review committee,” Ningi stated. “It is therefore imperative to say that the social media report that the National Assembly has pencilled 12 states is fake, toxic, and irresponsible.”

Senate President Akpabio echoed the concerns, blaming the misuse of social media for the widespread misinformation. “I hope that the way Africans use social media will not break society,” he said, lamenting how fake documents and announcements continue to mislead the public.

For the Idoma people, who have consistently called for the creation of Apa State to correct perceived marginalization in Benue, the denial comes as a bitter disappointment. While the agitation remains alive, the Senate’s response indicates that the process is far from being finalized—at least for now.