The call for the creation of the proposed Adada State from the present Enugu State is one that has resonated with the people of Enugu North Senatorial Zone for decades. It is a demand rooted in the principles of equity, fairness, and the need for balanced development within the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
The agitation for Adada State dates
back to the early 1980s when states were being created to address issues of
marginalization and to bring governance closer to the people. The people of
Enugu North Senatorial Zone, popularly known as the Nsukka people, have long
sought their own state, citing historical, economic, and political
justifications. And true to it, these justifications are cogent.
The demand for Adada State which is
the oldest agitation in the South East, if not the whole of Nigeria, gained
momentum during the 1990s when the last major state creation exercise took
place under the military regime of General Sani Abacha, the then Head of State.
Despite being a strong contender, Adada State did not make the final list,
leaving the dream unfulfilled. However, the aspirations of the people have not
waned; instead, they have been rekindled with every new political dispensation,
particularly in the present democratic era where constitutional reviews and restructuring
debates are ongoing.
Several compelling reasons
necessitate the creation of Adada State. These reasons span across economic, political,
and social dimensions. First and foremost, the South-East remains the region
with the fewest states in Nigeria, with only five states compared to the six in
most other regions and seven in the North-West. The creation of Adada State
would be a step toward rectifying this imbalance and granting the South-East a
fairer representation in national affairs.
Additionally, within Enugu State, the
Nsukka cultural zone has been historically marginalized in terms of governance
and political appointments. The creation of Adada State would allow for more
inclusive governance, ensuring that the people of the region have a direct say
in their administrative affairs.
A major argument against the creation
of new states in Nigeria is economic sustainability. However, Adada State
boasts of vast economic potential. The region is rich in agricultural
resources, with fertile land suitable for large-scale farming of crops such as
cassava, palm oil, cashew, yam, maize, and rice et cetera. The zone also has
abundant mineral deposits, including coal and limestone, which can be harnessed
for industrial development.
Furthermore, Nsukka town, which is
expected to be the capital of Adada State, is home to the prestigious
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The presence of this academic institution
offers immense opportunities for research, innovation, and human capital
development, all of which can drive the economic growth of the proposed state.
There is no doubt that the people of
the Nsukka zone share a distinct cultural identity, history, and language that
differentiate them from their counterparts in Enugu State. Creating Adada State
would provide an opportunity for these people to preserve and promote their
unique heritage while fostering unity, development and progress.
Enugu State, like many other states
in Nigeria, struggles with infrastructural deficits and inadequate resource
allocation. The creation of Adada State would mean a decentralized governance
structure that can focus on the peculiar developmental needs of the people.
Issues such as road construction, healthcare services, education, and rural
development would receive dedicated attention from the new state government.
The process of state creation in
Nigeria is an arduous one, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
It requires legislative approval at multiple levels, including endorsement by
the National Assembly and a national referendum. Past efforts have been stifled
by political bottlenecks, regional opposition, and economic concerns. However,
with sustained advocacy, political lobbying, and strategic alliances, the
creation of Adada State remains a viable prospect. The people of Nsukka and
supporters of the movement must continue engaging lawmakers, traditional
rulers, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the demand is kept on the front
burner of national discourse.
The creation of Adada State is not
just a matter of regional ambition but a call for fairness, justice, and
development. The people of the Nsukka cultural zone have demonstrated
resilience and unity in their pursuit of statehood, and their cause is one that
deserves national attention. By continuing to push for legislative reforms and
rallying support from various quarters, the dream of Adada State can become a
reality, bringing about a new era of progress and prosperity for its people and
Nigeria at large.
Kelvin Abuchi Ugwuoke writes from Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road, Abuja,
Nigeria. Email: ugwukev11@gmail.com;
Phone: 07032041733.
