Owerri, Nigeria – July 19, 2025 – The Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has called for urgent constitutional reforms to address the marginalisation of the South-East region and promote national unity.
Speaking during the 1999 Constitution Review sitting in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Saturday, Uzodimma made a compelling case for the creation of additional states in the South-East, constitutional backing for rotational presidency, and reforms in the areas of indigeneship and state policing.
In his remarks, Uzodimma stated that the South-East remains the only geopolitical zone in Nigeria with just five states, compared to six or more in the other zones. This imbalance, he noted, results in the underrepresentation of the region in key national institutions, including the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council.
“Our people in Imo and Abia States, and indeed the entire South-East, have clear expectations. I believe the time has come to address them with urgency, sincerity, and justice,” the governor said. “This imbalance has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity. Therefore, it’s only fair and just that we ask for the creation of at least two additional states in the South-East.”
Governor Uzodimma proposed the creation of Anim State as one of the new entities, highlighting its potential as an oil-producing state with a viable revenue base. He emphasized that such a move would not only address the region’s political imbalance but also enhance its economic sustainability. He also called for a corresponding creation of new local government areas to ensure effective grassroots governance.
Turning to the issue of indigeneship, Uzodimma advocated for a legal redefinition to include individuals either born in a state or those who have lived there continuously for at least ten years. He noted that many Nigerians are still treated as outsiders in the states where they were born or have lived their entire lives.
“Our constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live and work in any part of the country,” he said. “But in practice, those born and raised in a place where their grandparents may not have originated from are still regarded and treated as non-indigenes. That is not in the spirit of brotherhood we recite in our national anthem.”
He called for a legal provision that defines indigeneship in inclusive terms, aligning with practices common in advanced democracies.
On the issue of rotational presidency, Uzodimma insisted that the principle should be enshrined in the constitution to ensure that all six geopolitical zones have equal opportunities to produce the country’s leader. This, he argued, would enhance national unity, reduce ethnic tensions, and promote equity.
“Rotational presidency among the geopolitical zones is not just a political strategy but a constitutional necessity for a balanced federation,” he stated.
Regarding state policing, the governor expressed strong support for decentralising the police structure to allow for greater efficiency and responsiveness to local security challenges. He urged the National Assembly to include this in the constitutional review process, arguing that national security can only be guaranteed by a police system that understands local dynamics.
Uzodimma concluded his remarks with a call for unity, urging the people of the South-East, especially the Igbo, to use the constitutional review process to seek redress for their long-standing grievances through peaceful and constructive engagement. He dismissed calls for secession and violence, describing them as counterproductive.
“Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. But that strength must be harnessed through law and equity. Therefore, our Constitution must reflect our shared values, not just our shared borders,” he said.
He emphasized that while no constitution is perfect, reforms that reflect the realities and aspirations of the Nigerian people are necessary for sustained peace, justice, and development.
