…Says Southern Kaduna demand for statehood is long overdue
…To present memo in Kano, Abuja public hearings
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United-Associations (SOKAPU) has commenced mobilisation efforts across its chapters to participate actively in the upcoming constitution review processes being coordinated by the National Assembly, with specific focus on the creation of new states and local governments.
A statement issued and signed by the National President of SOKAPU, Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, said the union has received notice of the public hearing on the constitutional amendment scheduled for July 4 and 5, 2025 in Kano, which will feature critical agenda items including state and local government creation, local government financial autonomy, and state policing.
The General Secretary of the Union, Umar Galadima Gwaju, in a follow-up communication dated June 26, also confirmed SOKAPU’s readiness to present its long-standing memorandum advocating for the creation of Gurara State. According to him, the union’s legal and technical committee has concluded extensive consultations and documentation in preparation for the hearing.
He stated that the National Assembly, through the House of Representatives, has also slated a national public hearing in Abuja for July 21, 2025, where all stakeholders, including regional associations, civil society groups, and ethnic nationalities, are expected to make representations.
SOKAPU reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the voices of the people of Southern Kaduna are heard in the national discourse on restructuring and constitutional reforms. The union noted that the opportunity to create Gurara State, alongside the demand for political and fiscal autonomy at the grassroots level, remains a generational call for justice, equity, and inclusive governance.
SOKAPU called on all its members and sympathisers to show solidarity by actively participating in the advocacy efforts and engagements lined up for the public hearing sessions.
