Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has urged the National Assembly to revive a policy granting full indigene rights to Nigerians who were either born in a state or have lived there for over 10 years.
Speaking at the South East Centre B Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held at the Eze Imo Palace Auditorium in Owerri, Uzodimma described the proposal as a step toward fostering unity and national cohesion.
“Our constitution must reflect our shared values and aspirations, not create loopholes for division,” the governor said. “I advocated for the reinstatement of a democratic tradition practised in our early Republics, where any Nigerian born in a state or who has lived there for over 10 years, with good conduct, should be granted indigene status and all associated rights.”
Beyond indigene rights, Uzodimma also called for the creation of two additional states in the South East to ensure equity and drive development in the region. He emphasised the strategic importance of having at least one new state within the oil-producing belt to enhance access to resources and infrastructure.
“For lasting political balance, I proposed that the six geopolitical zones be constitutionally recognised in the zoning of the Presidency, replacing the current North-South arrangement,” he added. “This will promote national inclusion and reduce political tensions during presidential elections.”
The governor also reiterated the need for the establishment of state police to tackle local security challenges effectively. “State policing is vital to safeguarding lives and property at the grassroots,” Uzodimma said, urging lawmakers to consider the proposal as part of broader efforts to strengthen the federation.
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