Stories by Bode Olagoke
Youth delegates to the on-going National Conference have rejected the decision of the conference to create additional 18 states, saying Nigeria of their dream is not Nigeria with more states but a country with good states.
A statement jointly signed by Hassan Rilwan, Yadomah Bukar Mandara and Nnaemeka C. Ikegwuonu, who are all youth representatives said it was “extremely embarrassing” for delegates at the National Conference to had approved the creation of 18 more states.
“We understand the issues of marginalization in some states; we support innovative ways of solving it. Not creating more problems to solve a problem. Does state creation solve the issues of maginalization? What happens when others feel marginalized within the new states? Are we going to have to create even more states? Except we want to create states out of the over 300 ethnic groups in Nigeria. State creation as a solution is a short cut which is usually our way in Nigeria.”
They lamented that: “The only reason the elites may want more states is to increase ease of access to power. If that’s the case, then rotation along senatorial zones with states and local governments would have solved that. What will solve marginalization are responsible leaders who would take special interest in the affairs of the minorities to see that they are adequately catered for.
“How did the Late Sardauna of blessed memory lead northern Nigeria as a whole? He did it by making sure all had a sense of belonging which made late Sunday Awoniyi, a Yoruba and Christian in the North to respect him till he died”, they said.
