Uzodimma Drops Bombshell: South-East Demands New States, Rotational Presidency, And State Police

Speaking at the South-East Zonal Public Hearing on the 1999 Constitution Review for Imo and Abia States in Owerri, Governor Hope Uzodimma laid out major demands from the region—chief among them, the creation of at least two additional states.

The South-East is the only zone with just five states. Every other zone has six or more,” Uzodimma noted. “This disparity has resulted in underrepresentation in key national bodies like the National Assembly and Federal Executive Council. It has diminished our voice and limited our inclusiveness.”

He specifically proposed the creation of Anim State, citing its oil-producing potential as proof of economic viability.

Beyond new states, Uzodimma advocated for a restructuring of local governments to reflect the region’s population growth and economic capacity.

He reflected on the past, noting that Owerri was once the capital of the old Eastern Region, and expressed hope that new capitals like Orlu, Aba, and Nsukka might emerge. “This is the collective prayer of the South-East, and by God’s grace, it will happen,” he said.

Reimagining Indigeneship

Uzodimma also called for a redefinition of indigeneship, arguing that anyone born in a state or residing there for at least ten years should qualify as an indigene. He referenced the 1952 example of Mallam Umaru Altine, a Fulani man who became Mayor of Enugu, to illustrate Nigeria’s past inclusivity. “Our laws should reflect this historical unity,” he said.

Call for Rotational Presidency

The governor proposed a constitutional mandate to rotate the presidency across all six geopolitical zones—not just North and South—as a way to promote national cohesion. “This isn’t tokenism; it’s a formula for stability,” he argued. “Knowing the presidency will rotate eliminates fear and fosters a stronger sense of belonging.”

Push for State Police

Uzodimma also pushed for decentralising the police, stating that the current centralised system is “overstretched and disconnected from grassroots realities.” As chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, he affirmed their support for state policing, dismissing fears of misuse by governors as outdated.

“We must not let fear from the past dictate how we secure our future,” he said. “Local security needs local solutions.”

A Final Appeal

Uzodimma ended by urging the Constitution Review Committee to pursue justice, equity, and unity. “Our diversity is a strength, not a weakness. But that strength must be reflected in law and equity,” he said. “Let this Constitution be one that truly belongs to all Nigerians.”