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Rep kicks against inclusion of Ajaokuta in bill to create new state from Kogi
Sanni Egidi, a member of the house of representatives, has opposed the inclusion of Ajaokuta federal constituency in the proposal to create a new state from Kogi.
During plenary on Thursday, Ibrahim Halims, lawmaker representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro federal constituency of Kogi, moved a motion for the second reading of a bill to create Okura state from Kogi — with Egume as the proposed capital.
Halims, who is the deputy majority leader of the house and sponsor of the bill, said the creation of the state would be justifiable as it would bring government closer to the people and rapidly develop the Igala nation.
“Our demand for the creation of Okura state derives justification from our historical antecedent,” he said.
“It dates back to 1964 when Igala native authority was ranked second to Kano native authority in revenue generation and capacity and was in the process of being made the 14th province in northern region through the northern house of assembly — before the military coup of 1966.
“Having lost the bid to be carved out as a province, it became part of Kwara state in 1967.”
The lawmaker said Okura satisfies all the requirements for the creation of a state.
“It is worthy of note that the 13 provinces in the then northern Nigeria have all been split into states, with the exception of Kabba province where the proposed Okura state belongs,” Halims added.
“In view of this historical and structural antecedent, the creation of Okura state at this point in time will ensure lasting peace and progress in the region.
“This will create equity, fairness and general sense of belonging as people of one united country.
“The proposed state lies to the east of the Niger and is inhabited by the Igalas — ninth largest ethnic group.”
Halims said if the state is created, it will bring government closer to the “long neglected people of Igala” and would ensure the equitable distribution of the nation’s resources to the people.
Debating the bill, Egidi said his constituency of Ajaokuta cannot be part of the proposed new state.
The lawmaker said the map of the proposed new state should be redesigned to extricate Ajaokuta.
“For about two days, I have seen a map circulating in the social media where my constituency, Ajaokuta, is part of the proposed new state,” Egidi said.
“I want to put it to the house that I believe it is an error. I believe that it is not correct. Ajaokuta federal constituency is currently in Kogi state central senatorial district. It is not part of east senatorial district.
“I want the map to be redesigned.
“In as much as I agree with the creation of the new state, my constituency cannot be part of Okura state based on the following reasons: There is a natural boundary already, and I am not sure anybody from my constituency was consulted. My constituency should be out of it.”
Responding, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, said the lawmaker’s demand would be considered by the constitutional amendment committee when further proposals are received from stakeholders.
The bill was unanimously voted for when Abbas put it to a voice vote.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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