On
June 27, 2011, we stated that creating additional state is not economical
because it will increase the cost of governance in the country without any
increase in the revenue base of the nation.
Unfortunately,
the just-concluded National Conference has recommended the creation of
additional 18 states.
This
will bring the number of states in the country to 54. Just last week, the
Senate President said he is committed to seeing through state creation. Here is
what I said then.
When
on May 27 1967, General Yakubu Gowon announced the 12-state structure for
Nigeria, it was to solve a perceived political problem threatening the
continued existence of Nigeria as a single entity.
It
was a political solution to the threat of secession. Gowon was humble enough to
point out the economic consequences the nation was faced with if the action was
not taken. He had said: “The consequence of these illegal sets has been
