- The Big Idea: CHRICED wants Abuja to be recognized as Nigeria’s 37th state.
- Why? To protect the rights of indigenous people and give them a stronger political voice.
- Regional Power: CHRICED also suggests using the six geopolitical zones as federal entities.
- What’s at Stake? This could mean big changes for how Nigeria is governed and how resources are shared.
The Push for Abuja as a State
The Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) is making a bold move, urging the National Assembly to declare Abuja as Nigeria’s 37th state. They believe this recognition is crucial for including Abuja within the national framework and addressing the needs of its indigenous people. According to CHRICED, this isn’t just about changing a map; it’s about giving a voice to those who have been marginalized.
Why Now? The Plight of Abuja’s Indigenous People
According to CHRICED’s Executive Director, Ibrahim Zukirullahi, the original inhabitants of Abuja face significant challenges. They’re practically stateless, lacking the rights and privileges of citizens in recognized states. This leads to political marginalization, where their concerns are ignored in national conversations. They also face economic hardship, struggling to access basic services and livelihood opportunities. Landlessness is another major issue, with many displaced from their ancestral lands due to urban development.
CHRICED’s Solution: Abuja State and Regional Autonomy
CHRICED proposes two key solutions:
- Recognize Abuja as the 37th State: This would give the indigenous people the rights and recognition they deserve.
- Return to a Regional System: Utilize the six geopolitical zones as federal entities to promote regional autonomy and accountability.
They argue that empowering these regions would lead to more localized governance, allowing for policies tailored to each area’s unique needs. This could also foster healthy competition among regions, driving innovation and development.
The Economic Angle: Reducing Dependence on Federal Allocations
CHRICED believes this shift could address the issue of economically unviable states that rely heavily on federal funding. By empowering regions, states would become more self-sufficient and less dependent on federal allocations. This could lead to a more sustainable and efficient governance system.
What’s Next?
The National Assembly now faces the task of considering CHRICED’s proposal. This decision could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s political and economic future. Will Abuja become the 37th state? Only time will tell.
The Bigger Picture: Constitutional Amendments and Governance
CHRICED emphasizes that any constitutional amendment should focus on reducing the size of the government and lowering the cost of governance. This would make the government more efficient and responsive to the needs of the citizens. Along with this, there should be a comprehensive devolution of powers and resources from the central government to the regional entities. This shift towards regional empowerment is seen as a way to ensure governance is more localized and policies are better suited to the unique needs of each area.
Potential Benefits of the Proposed Changes
- Greater Autonomy: Regions would have more control over their affairs.
- Economic Growth: Healthy competition among regions could spur innovation and development.
- Reduced Dependence: States would rely less on federal funding.
- Empowerment of Indigenous People: Recognizing Abuja as a state would give its original inhabitants the rights and recognition they deserve.
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