REVEALED: Document seeking creation of Apa State emerges

The National Coordinator, below is a draft memorandum for your consideration and necessary action.

A Memorandum submitted to the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), 1999 (as amended) by Benue South Peace and Unity Forum.

1. Introduction.
   1. Benue South Peace and Unity Forum is an umbrella body of all ethnic groups in Benue South Senatorial District.
   2. It is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, with Registration Number…………
   3. Since the creation of Benue State in 1976 (48 years ago), nobody from the ethnic groups in Benue South Senatorial District of Benue State has been allowed to be the govern of Benue State, on the ground of their minority status, even when in most states of the Federation, the seat of the Governor of the state rotates effortlessly amongst the Senatorial Districts.
   4. Our people have been agitating for a state since 1995 to avoid the obvious marginalization and to ensure justice, equality and freedom, but to no avail.
   5. This is yet another appeal to the National Assembly to look into our plight and consider our demand for the creation of a new State.

• Our Resolve

• Sequel to the open invitation by the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of FRN, 1999 (as amended) and leveraging on item Nos 14 and 16 of the invitation, we hereby submit a Memorandum appealing for a review of some sections of the Constitution to enable us achieve our yearnings and aspirations.

• We hereby submit a Memorandum in respect of “Process of State Creation,” and “Any other matter that will promote good governance and welfare of all persons in our country on the principle of freedom, equality and justice,” (items Number 14 and 16 of the Call for Memoranda).

• Specific Appeals

• Process of State Creation; New states and boundary adjustment, etc. (Part II, Section 8) of the Constitution of FRN, 1999 (as amended):

1. we agreed that Section 8 (1)a (i-iii) in the Constitution of FRN, 1999 (as amended) be retained as a proof that we are in agreement with our Representatives on the issue of creation of a new State for the Benue South people;
2. we appeal that Section 8 (1)b-d in the Constitution be expunged. This is because the demand for referendum and subsequent procedures thereto makes the process of state creation expensive, cumbersome, and in the Nigeria State, almost impossible;
3. we suggest that Section 8 (1)b-d be replaced with a proviso that, “the area where the demand for creation of the State originated meets population and viability requirements.” Benue South Senatorial District has a population large enough to be a republic. The area also has great human resource as well as enormous solid minerals and viable agricultural land;
4. we appeal that Section 8 (2) be expunged as the process is cumbersome, expensive and not sufficient to protect the rights of minorities. Let the function of boundary adjustment be handled by the National Boundaries Commission;
5. we appeal that Section 8 (3) be expunged. Let the National Assembly also create Local Government Areas the same way it creates States as provided in Section 8 (1)a (i-iii) of the Constitution of FRN, 1999 (as amended) and base the creation of LGAs on population and viability requirements; and
6. we appeal that Section 8 (4) be expunged. The process is cumbersome, expensive and not sufficient to protect the rights of minorities. Let the function of boundary adjustment be handled by the State Boundaries Commission.

• Any other matter that will promote good governance and welfare of all persons in our country on the principle of freedom, equality and justice.

1. Local Government Autonomy. We support Local Government Autonomy because this will encourage development and promote good governance at the rural areas and also create a sense of protection, equality, justice and freedom for the minorities.
2. Rotation of Elective Political Offices at all levels. Office of Governor to rotate amongst the three Senatorial Zones of each state, Office of Deputy Governor to rotate amongst the three Senatorial Zones, the Senatorial seat to rotate amongst the Federal constituencies in the senatorial district, etc.
3. Creation of LGAs in the proposed “Apa State” should ensure a parity of 24%, 24%, 24%, 28% for Apa/Agatu, Otukpo/Ohimini, Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, and Oju/Obi Federal Constituencies, respectively.

• Prayer. We hereby pray that the National Assembly considers our demand and create for us a state to be called “Apa State” out of the present Benue State of Nigeria, with State Capital at Otukpo.

 

• Declaration. We, the people of Benue South Senatorial District, under the aegis of Benue South Peace and Unity Forum, an umbrella body of all ethnic groups in Benue South Senatorial District, together with our National and State Assembly Representatives as well as our Local Government Councils, have resolved to demand for a new state, to be carved out of the present Benue State of Nigeria, and be called Apa State.

• Signed

 

1. AVM, Monday Riku Morgan (NC, Benue South Peace and Unity Forum)…………………..
2. Dr. Isaac Akwuma Egboja (DNC, Benue South Peace and Unity Forum)……………………………………
3. Hon. Francis Eche Ijiga (Secretary, Benue South Peace and Unity Forum)………………………………..
4. Distinguished Senator Abba Moro PhD (Benue South West, Senator)…………
5. Hon. Philip Agbese (MHR, Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo)……
6. Hon. Blessing Onuh (MHR, Otukpo/Ohimini)………..
7. Hon. Ojotu Ojema (MHR, Apa/Agatu)…………..
8. Rt. Hon. David Ogewu (MHR, Oju/Obi)……………….
9. Hon. Agada Awuchi (Ogbadibo State Constituency)……..
10. Etc……