Senate President, Ahmad Lawan
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports that the Senate Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution has proposed the creation of additional 20 states.
“The reports are a gross misrepresentation of the decision of the committee on the request for creation of more states.
Basiru said the section provides that an Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if-
“(a) A request, supported by at least two-thirds majority of members (representing the area demanding the creation of the new state) in each of the following, namely –
(ii) The House of Assembly in respect of the area, and
(iii) The local government councils in respect of the area are received by the National Assembly.”
He noted that such demand could also be passed if “(b) a proposal for the creation of the state is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the state originated;
“(d) The proposal is approved by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of members of each chamber of the National Assembly.”
In view of the above, the spokesman said the committee was not in a position to propose the creation of any state as reported.
“The above clarifications are imperative to set the record straight,” he added.
