LENDING A VOICE TO THE CREATION OF ADADA STATE

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.