The House of Representatives Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims has assured that the proposed Okura State, currently receiving legislative attention, would be created....Read Full Article >>➤
The lawmaker, who represents Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency, said he was aware of criticisms trailing the proposed Okura state and others, but said they were ‘kilometres ahead of critics’, noting that every constitutional requirement was being observed.
Speaking with DAILY POST in Abuja, Halims said those criticizing the exercise were entitled to their opinion and were speaking from their level of understanding, insisting that Okura State which would be created out of the present Kogi State for the Igala and Bassa speaking people had met the constitutional requirements.
He ruled out insinuations in certain quarters that the people of Kogi East felt marginalized and that was why they were agitating for the creation of Okura.
The lawmaker said state creation was all about development, stating that the Eastern Senatorial district was more than due to own a State, particularly as the region was one of the earliest kingdoms which was well known and some of its contemporaries have state status now.
He said: “One of my most celebrated bills today is the proposal for the creation of a new state.
“Understandably, there was skepticism, particularly from some of our Idoma-speaking brothers who doubted its feasibility. My message to them is simple: law is law.
“A bill is proposed and followed through to its conclusion. Perhaps past attempts have led to doubt, but as of today, we have already made significant progress— about 50% of the way.
“Our focus now is to meet the constitutional requirements, and we are working diligently towards that goal. By the grace of God, we are making steady progress, and we will achieve it.
“Let me clarify: our demand for state creation is not out of suppression. The Igala have ruled Kogi State for nearly 16 years, and governance has rotated among different groups.
“However, the creation of a new state would reduce the cycle of political rotation, allowing for more opportunities for our people. It is not about tribalism, sectionalism, or zoning— it is about development.”
DAILY POST recalls that the proposals for state creation began to gain traction lately with nearly 30 of them at the National Assembly for consideration.
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