The Senate Deputy Chief Whip and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has made a strong case for the creation of an additional state in the South East zone of the country.
Nwebonyi said the call is for equity and fairness, noting that it will guarantee peace in the region and strengthen the Nigerian Police, rather than creating state police.
He made the call during the retreat of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review held in Kano State on Friday.
Nwebonyi opposed the creation of state police, stating that the Nigerian Police is capable of policing the entire country if adequately equipped with enough manpower.
He argued that the existing Federal Police needs to be strengthened instead of creating state police, adding that there should be collaborative efforts from the federal, state, and local governments to revive the Nigerian Police.
Earlier, the Deputy President of the Senate, who also serves as the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Senator Barau Jibrin, charged the members to approach the deliberations with utmost care and consideration, adding that their decisions will have far-reaching effects on generations yet unborn.
The Committee is tasked with making amendments and reviewing the constitution with a view to drafting an acceptable constitution for the country.
Representatives of State Assembly Speakers, past Federal Legislators, consultants, and other relevant stakeholders were present at the retreat.