…Insists no decision on creation of new states, LGAs
The Senate has dismissed widespread claims that it has approved the creation of 12 new states across Nigeria, describing the reports as unfounded and misleading.
Speaking at the weekend, Senator Shehu Buba Umar (Bauchi South) said the Senate had not taken any legislative decision on the matter and cautioned the public to disregard the “baseless” stories circulating online.
Senator Umar clarified that the upper legislative chamber is still at the stage of receiving public contributions through constitutional review hearings.
“What we have done is to conduct public hearings across various geopolitical zones where citizens submitted memoranda, including requests for new states and local governments,” Umar explained.
He noted that no final report had been presented to the National Assembly, and lawmakers had not deliberated or granted approval for any state creation proposals.
The senator was reacting to a viral list which claimed the Senate had endorsed new states such as Ijebu, Ibadan, Anim, Adada, Toru-Ibe, Obolo, Savanna, Amana, Tiga, Gurara, Okura and Apa, carved out of existing states across Nigeria.
“This is fake news. Nigerians should ignore it. No such approval has been made by the Senate,” Umar stressed.
Senator Abdul Ningi, another lawmaker from Bauchi, also rejected the report, saying it had created needless anxiety in some communities.
While debunking the viral claims, Senator Umar reiterated his appeal for the creation of additional local government areas in Bauchi South Senatorial District.
He pointed out that places such as Toro, Alkaleri and Bauchi LGAs are overpopulated and too vast in size, making governance difficult.
“Toro alone is almost the size of an entire state in southern Nigeria. We need more LGAs to bring government closer to the people,” he said.
Umar reminded Nigerians that the creation of new states and LGAs is a complex process involving the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly, judiciary and the President.
He called on citizens to remain patient and avoid spreading misinformation that could unsettle the polity.
“No state or local government has been created yet. When the time comes, Nigerians will be duly informed,” Umar affirmed.
