Bode George rejects 31 new states proposal, urges true federalism

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has strongly opposed calls for the creation of 31 additional states in Nigeria, describing the move as unsustainable and ineffective in addressing the country’s challenges.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, George argued that state creation would neither solve the nation’s structural problems nor foster meaningful development.
His remarks came in response to a recent statement by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu, who revealed that the House had received proposals for the creation of 31 new states.
Kalu, who also chairs the House Constitution Review Committee, disclosed that the proposed states include:
North Central: Okun, Okura, and Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala and Apa (Benue); FCT State.
North East: Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); Muri (Taraba).
North West: New Kaduna and Gurara (Kaduna); Tiga and Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi).
South East: Adada (Enugu); Orlu (Imo); Aba (Abia); Etiti and Urashi.
South South: Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori and Obolo (Rivers).
South West: Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan (Oyo); Lagoon (Lagos/Ogun); Ijebu (Ogun); Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun).
Despite these proposals, many political stakeholders have dismissed the idea as unnecessary. George echoed this sentiment, insisting that Nigeria’s focus should be on restructuring rather than creating more states.
“Don’t tell me we should create more states. Forget about more states. We want to create more states, and then everybody will be rushing to Abuja. This is not sustainable,” George asserted.
He emphasised the importance of adopting a federal structure that truly empowers states, drawing comparisons with the American system.
“Let us look at our federal structure first, the same federal system we run with America. Why are we not running it as they run theirs?
“Go to New York City, the Mayor of New York controls the airport—the John Kennedy Airport—he controls the ports, the seaports. The Mayor of New York, not the governor.