Savannah State Creation: Reps passes Bill for First Reading

Savannah State Creation: Reps passes Bill for First Reading

By: Salihu Inusa

A Bill seeking for the creation of Savannah State out of the present Borno has passed its First Reading at Wednesday’s plenary session of the 10th House of Representatives.

Recalled that in July this year, The Chairman, Northeast zone B House of Representative Committee on the 1999 constitution review, Hon Isa Ali has said that the House has received presentations and memorandum from over 50 clubs, civil society Organisation’s, Association Unions and organisations ranging from creation of states, Savannah inclusive.

Member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Hon. Midala Balami, his counterparts, Hon. Muktari Betara of Biu/Shani/Kwaya Kusar/Bayo and Hon. Ahmed Usman Jaha, alias Babawo representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Federal constituency in Borno state are sponsors/co-sponsors of the Bill respectively.

Presenting the Bill for an Act before the Honorable House, Balami through an Order Paper 223 said “It is inline with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to create a new state in the North East region known as Savannah State from the present Borno State, and for other related matters”.

According to Hon Balami, the proposed legislation of the new Savannah State, when created, will have 24 Local Government Areas (LGAs), including existing ones that will be adjusted and demarcated to enhance administrative efficiency and promote effective governance.

He stated that Damboa is to be the capital city of the new Savannah State when created.

Addressing Journalists in Maiduguri, the Lawmaker appreciated the Speaker of the house of representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeed Abbas and his colleagues for the support and cooperation which led to the smooth passage of the Bill for the First Reading.

He described the creation of Savannah State out of the present Borno State as imperative due to Borno’s current population and number of local government areas.

“If you look at all the states in the North-East, Borno State has the largest population; and it has 27 local government areas, which also is the highest number in the geopolitical zone,” Hon. Balami said.

In addtion Balami said; “We want to ensure effective utilization of resources in this country; and when we talk of that, the smaller the size of the component, the easier and most-effective the management of the resources it.

“So, for the people of Borno State, the creation of Savannah State is a win-win situation, because once Southern Borno has Savannah, Borno itself will have a population it can easily manage in terms of development, resource utilization and even in terms of security,” He argued.

The Lawmaker further stressed that Savannah state agitation has been on the front banner for over 40 years, and when created, is going to be a good omen, justice, fairness and inclusivity to the concerned people in that region.

Savannah State Creation: Reps passes Bill for First Reading