Legal practitioner and policy analyst, Dr. Monday O. Ubani, SAN, has applauded the ongoing legislative effort for the creation of additional local government areas from the present Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, while calling for strict adherence to the constitutional procedure for such exercise.
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Ubani’s statement follows reports that Hon. Obi Aguocha, member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has sponsored a Bill seeking to create Ikwuano South and Ikwuano North Local Government Areas, which recently passed its first reading in the Green Chamber.
He described the initiative as “a laudable and long-overdue step,” noting that Ikwuano is geographically vast and demographically large enough to warrant administrative division for more effective governance and development.
“Ikwuano comprises four major clans Oloko, Oboro, Ariam, and Ibere each of which has a sizeable population and sufficient land area to sustain a full-fledged local government structure,” Ubani explained. “The distance between communities often hampers effective local administration and equitable distribution of resources.”
He recalled that during the 2023 election campaigns, both Hon. Aguocha and Governor Alex Otti had pledged to support the creation of a new local government from the existing Ikwuano area a promise that resonated deeply with the people.
While commending Aguocha’s patriotic intent, Ubani emphasized that the process must comply with the provisions of Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the proper steps for local government creation in Nigeria.
He outlined the four constitutionally required stages: initiation at the state level through the House of Assembly, conduct of a referendum by INEC, legislative approval by the State Assembly and Governor, and final constitutional recognition by the National Assembly through an amendment to the First Schedule of the Constitution.
Ubani referenced the landmark Supreme Court case of Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2003), which affirmed that states may create local governments but such creations remain “inchoate” until formally recognized in the Constitution.
He therefore urged collaboration between Hon. Aguocha and Governor Otti to begin the process from the Abia State House of Assembly, noting that an Executive Bill from the Governor, backed by Ikwuano representatives, would ensure due process and legitimacy.
“Once the State procedure is completed, Hon. Aguocha and Senator Akobundu can then work towards securing federal recognition through constitutional amendment,” he said. “This two-tiered approach state creation and federal recognition is constitutionally sound and practically achievable, especially with a responsive and reform-minded Governor like Dr. Alex Otti.”
Ubani maintained that the creation of an additional local government from Ikwuano is not only constitutionally justifiable but also socially desirable, as it would “bring governance closer to the people, accelerate development, and enhance local representation.”
He concluded by praying for divine wisdom and unity among Abia leaders to actualize the vision.
“May God grant our leaders the guidance to achieve this noble dream for the peace and progress of Ikwuano and Abia State. God is with Abia, God’s own State,” Ubani said.
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