Advocacy groups from Nigeria’s Northeast region have renewed calls for the creation of four additional states — Savannah, Amana, Katagum, and Muri — during the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
The demands were presented on Friday at the opening of a two-day zonal public hearing organised by the National Assembly in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Director of Media and Publicity for the Amana State Movement, Ahmad Sajor, in a statement, said the call for Amana State — proposed to be carved from parts of Adamawa State and Uba Chiefdom in Borno — was driven by what he described as a need to correct “historical injustice.”
He cited the February 11, 1961, UN-supervised plebiscite, in which the area voluntarily opted to join Nigeria. According to him, leaders at the time, including the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, had pledged a distinct status for the region, with Mubi expected to enjoy equal treatment with other state capitals like Kano and Ilorin.
“Unfortunately, both promises were not fulfilled by the Nigerian state,” Sajor said, describing the renewed agitation as an effort to restore long-denied recognition.
Similarly, groups advocating for Katagum State from Bauchi, Muri State from Taraba, and Savannah State from Borno also presented their demands.
Supporters of the proposed states were seen at the venue wearing crested shirts and carrying placards urging the National Assembly to approve their requests.
A member of the Katagum State movement, who spoke anonymously, said, “Our demands are simple. We want Katagum State. We have confidence in this National Assembly and we believe they will grant our request after reviewing it.”
The hearing attracted several prominent figures from the region, including the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Usman Kadafur, who represented the governor; lawmakers from the three senatorial districts of Borno; former Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi; and the Shehu of Borno, among others.
The constitutional review hearing is expected to continue on Saturday, with more groups and individuals scheduled to present their positions on key national issues.
