The Senate President, Sen. David Mark, has assured agitators for the creation of states not to be disillusioned by the turn of events as there is still opportunity to address the issue.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Paul Mumeh, in Abuja on Sunday, Mark said: the issue of state creation was “a chapter not closed”.
The Senate president expressed the view when he addressed members of Idoma National Forum (INF), who said they were unhappy that the committee on the review of the constitution had rejected requests for creation of states.
He said “the National Assembly will revisit it to assuage the aspirations of those asking for states.’’
Mark said that the drawback in the recommendation was that the constitution made it cumbersome to actualise creation of states but added that the system was being streamlined to enable agitators to realise their aspirations.
“I have never minced words about my position for the creation of additional states.
“It is not that we cannot live together with our brothers and sisters but I am a firm believer that states creation will bring more development and progress nearer to the people.
“You should continue with the agitation for state creation and work towards meeting the requirements. I am sure that when the conditions are met, states would be created.
“Milk may have been spilled but not fallen over. There is still a window and the National Assembly will hearken to the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry, “Mark explained.
He urged the people to maintain peace and unity for progress, adding: “your strength is in your unity.’’
The Senate President promised to continue to be good ambassador of the Idoma nation, Benue and Nigeria at all times.
Mark said that all his actions and deeds would be guided by the fear of God, fairness, objectivity and the rule of Law.
Earlier, the President of Idoma National Forum, Dr Okopi Momoh, urged the National Assembly to review requests for the creation of states considering that there were 61 requests from different groups.
Momoh urged the National Assembly to investigate and verify the claims for states creation in order to address the issue and feelings of many Nigerians.
He commended the Senate president for providing quality leadership in the Senate and being a worthy representative of the Idoma nation.
Momoh pledged that the forum would partner with the Senate president in the onerous task of developing the Idoma nation for the good of all.
