President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has suggested that the present constitution amendment must take into cognizance the anxieties, fears, agitation and future of minority groups in order to provide the needed elixir for peace, unity and security under a united Nigerian federation.
One of the ways to address the imbalances, Senator Mark said would be the creation of additional sates to deserving areas and facilitating development to all nooks and crannies of the nation.
“I strongly believe that we truly need to create more states to meet the needs of agitators, bring a sense of belonging to the people, promote healthy competition among the federating states, as well as guaranteeing peace and security in the land.
Addressing the Congregation of Anioma Congress from Delta State led by the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Professor )Chike Edozien,Senator Mark however canvassed that should state creation not be immediately considered, zoning or rotation of top political offices such as governor of a state should be inserted into the constitution forthwith.
This, he contended would douse tension, agitation or feeling of marginalization by some minority groups in the country.
Senator Mark pointed out that a situation where some sections of a state are permanently confined to playing a second fiddle role is not good for harmonious co existence among the people.
For peace, security and development to thrive , he said justice, fairness and equity must be the yardstick for relating between and among the cohabiting groups.
He hinted that the Senate constitution Review committee would next week meet in Lagos State to put finishing touches to the compilation of the requests , findings and recommendations for the constitution amendment before submitting the document for consideration.
He assured that the Senate will be fair, honest and just in consideration of the report and would reflect the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians in a manner that would promote peace, unity and development of the nation.
Earlier the Asagba of Asaba , Professor Edozien enumerated efforts by the Anioma people of Delta State to have a state of their own since 1983 without much success. He noted that the proposed Anioma state is endowed with enough human and material resources that would make the state viable.
The Monarch who led other traditional rulers from Delta north senatorial zone the parley demanded that the zone should be allowed to produce the next governor of the state in 2015, pointing out that in the spirit of fairness and equity, other zones which had got the opportunity should cooperate with Delta north to have a shot at the governorship sit .
