Mark : State creation not foreclosed – Constitution amendment

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Report - Senate President David Mark has told agitators for the creation of new states not to be disillusioned by the turn of events “because there is still a window to address the issue.”

Senator Mark gave the assurance to constituents assembled under the aegis of Idoma National Forum (INF) who was unhappy that the Constitution Review Committee in the National Assembly seemed to have foreclosed the issue.

Mark’s people had consistently asked for the creation of Apa State from the present Benue State.

The Senate president said the drawback in the recommendation was that Chapter 8 of the 1999 Constitution made it cumbersome to actualize creation of state, assuring however that the system was being streamlined to enable agitators meet their targets.

“I have never minced words about my position for the creation of additional states. It is not that we cannot live together with our brothers and sisters but I am a firm believer that state creation will bring more development and progress nearer to the people.

“You should continue with the agitation for state creation and work towards meeting the requirements. I am sure that when the conditions are met, states would be created.

“Milk may have been spilled but not fallen over. There is still a window and the National Assembly will hearken to the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry,” he said.

The Senate president told his people to continue to maintain peace and unity which he believes engenders progress of a people, adding “your strength is in your unity”.

Mark promised to continue to be a good ambassador of the Idoma nation, Benue State and Nigeria at all times, saying that his actions and deeds would be guided by the fear of God, fairness, objectivity and the rule of law.

Earlier, President of the forum, Dr. Okopi Momoh urged the National Assembly to review requests for the creation of states, pointing out that with over 61 requests to that effect, something must be wrong with the management of states  in the country.

Dr. Momoh urged the National Assembly to investigate and verify the claims for state creation  in order to address the feelings of most Nigerians on the matter.

he assurance to constituents assembled under the aegis of Idoma National Forum (INF) who was unhappy that the Constitution Review Committee in the National Assembly seemed to have foreclosed the issue.