State Creation Will Not Be Based on Sentiment – Senator Ekong Sampson

By our Correspondent

As the agitation for the creation of new states continues to gain traction across the country, the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Ekong Sampson, has emphasized that the process will not be influenced by sentiment but guided strictly by due process and constitutional provisions.

Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly, Senator Sampson stated that the matter of state creation transcends emotions, stressing that it is fundamentally an issue rooted in law, history, and the collective will of the people.

“The issue of state creation in Nigeria goes beyond emotion. It’s an issue that touches on law, history, and the wishes of the people. What concerns us as lawmakers is adherence to due process. A number of dynamics must be examined,” he said.

According to him, the legislative process involves a deep interplay between law and history, and lawmakers must be guided by these principles in considering new state proposals.

“In the clamour for state creation, it is important that due process be followed. We must look beyond emotions and sentiments. That’s the approach I believe we should take,” he added.

Senator Sampson noted that the 10th National Assembly is determined to break the long-held perception that only the military can create states, affirming that Parliament has the constitutional authority to take such actions when necessary.

“You know, Parliament can do anything. We are vested with vast powers and responsibilities, but in exercising them, we must be guided by the Constitution,” he said. “It’s a rich interplay of law and history — we must consider the constitutional provisions, the dynamics of our communities, and the weight of the people’s aspirations.”

Reflecting on the historical background of state creation, Senator Sampson recalled the COR State Movement — which stood for Cross River, Ogoja, and Rivers — as part of the long journey of state agitation in Nigeria.

“I come from an area that was part of the COR State Movement, so I understand the dynamic politics of state creation. But as we make these clamours, we must also consider the development matrix, our history, and the evolving realities of the country,” he stated.

He reiterated that while there have been legitimate demands from different regions, the legislature’s key concern remains ensuring that all processes are duly followed.

Senator Sampson concluded by saying he was only addressing the broad principles guiding state creation, adding that delving into the finer details would be outside his present focus.