By Seyi Odewale
Enugu State Governor Dr Peter Mbah has called for bold constitutional reforms, including the creation of an additional state in the South East, the establishment of state police, and the institutionalisation of a rotational presidency to promote equity, justice, and national cohesion.
He appealed on Thursday evening when he received members of the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment at the Government House, Enugu.
The committee was in the state ahead of the South East zonal public hearing scheduled for the weekend at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
Mbah emphasised that the South East has continued to suffer political and structural marginalisation due to having only five states, unlike other geopolitical zones with six or more. He urged the committee to use the amendment process to correct what he described as a historical injustice.
“One issue that excites us most is the proposal for state police,” Mbah said. “We have consistently advocated for it. States should have their police services, just like the federal police, but with clearly defined jurisdictions and operational frameworks. This is long overdue, especially given the security challenges in our communities.”
Mbah also strongly supported the idea of a rotational presidency, arguing that it would give all parts of the country—particularly the Southeast—a fair chance at occupying the highest office in the land.
“We believe rotational presidency will ensure inclusion and reduce the tensions caused by perceived domination. Every region deserves the opportunity to lead this country,” he added.
He assured the lawmakers that the Enugu State Government would make formal presentations at the hearing and fully participate in the ongoing constitutional reform process.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, said the visit was part of efforts to gather the views of citizens from the South East on how the constitution should be amended to reflect the interests and aspirations of all Nigerians.
He acknowledged widespread dissatisfaction with the 1999 Constitution, particularly its origin under a military regime, which many argue has excluded key voices from different regions.
“The people of the South East have long decried the imbalance in the number of states across zones. This public hearing provides a platform to correct such injustices and address lingering feelings of marginalisation,” Nwebonyi said.
He expressed optimism that the constitutional review would help strengthen national unity and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
