Abia State Governor Alex Otti found himself at the center of a swirling controversy following an online publication that alleged his opposition to the creation of new states in the South East geopolitical zone. This report sparked a wave of criticism from opposition figures, who seized upon his purported stance during a town hall meeting on state creation held in Owerri, Imo State. However, Governor Otti swiftly moved to clarify his position, labeling the online report as mischievous and an attempt to divert attention from the real issues. Through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti emphasized the consistency of his viewpoint on the matter of state creation in Nigeria.
Governor Otti’s core argument revolves around the economic viability of existing states. He contends that the creation of additional states, while potentially addressing regional imbalances, would exacerbate the financial strain on the country. The governor believes that many existing states are already struggling to achieve economic self-sufficiency, and adding more states to the equation would simply compound the problem. He has long advocated for a restructuring of the Nigerian federation into six regions, a model he believes would streamline governance and reduce the overall cost of administration. This, he argues, is a more prudent approach than multiplying the number of states, many of which would lack the resources to function effectively.
The controversy surrounding Governor Otti’s stance highlights the broader debate on state creation in Nigeria. While some argue for the creation of more states to address perceived marginalization and improve representation, others express concerns about the financial implications and the potential for further fragmentation of the country. Governor Otti’s position aligns with the latter view, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and sustainable development. He argues that focusing on strengthening existing structures and improving governance within the current framework is more beneficial than creating new states that may become financially dependent on the federal government.
Governor Otti acknowledges the existing imbalance in the number of states across geopolitical zones, with the South East having five states compared to seven in one northern zone and six in others. He concedes that an additional state for the South East could be considered to rectify this disparity. However, he cautions against a blanket approach of creating new states across all geopolitical zones without first addressing the underlying economic challenges facing the nation. He believes that such a move would be counterproductive and could further strain the already fragile economic fabric of the country.
The governor draws parallels with historical figures like M.I. Okpara and Sam Mbakwe, who achieved significant development and prosperity within the larger regions and states they governed. He argues that their success was not predicated on the creation of smaller administrative units but rather on effective leadership and prudent management of resources. Governor Otti emphasizes the need for a similar focus on good governance and sustainable development, rather than resorting to the creation of more states as a panacea for the country’s challenges.
In conclusion, Governor Otti’s stance on state creation is rooted in his belief that Nigeria’s current economic challenges require a different approach than simply adding more states. He argues for a more fiscally responsible approach, prioritizing the strengthening of existing structures and improving governance. While acknowledging the need to address regional imbalances, he cautions against pursuing state creation as a solution without first addressing the underlying economic issues that plague the nation. He calls on stakeholders to prioritize the long-term interests of the citizens over short-term political gains, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and responsible governance as the foundation for true progress.
