By Kayode Araba
Thus, this was made known by Chairman of the Movement for the Creation of Hadejia State, Alhaji Musa Shu’aibu, during the brief interview with press men at National Assembly complex saying Bayelsa may have crude oil, but Hadejia has multiple resources—vast arable land, water bodies, rich soil for farming, fisheries, and livestock. While Bayelsa relies on one major resource, we have several that can sustain our economy he explained.
The chairman further explained that the demand for Hadejia State predates the creation of Jigawa State in 1991. They allege that Hadejia was originally considered for statehood but was sidelined in favor of Jigawa due to military political maneuvering.
However, he said the request for Hadejia and Jigawa States was made around the same time in 1991. Our information suggests that Hadejia State was initially approved with its capital in Hadejia, but ultimately, Jigawa was announced instead the chairman Alhaji Shu’aibu recounted.
Further more he also noted that the military government divided Kano State’s 10 LGAs requesting Jigawa into two groups—retaining five in Kano and merging the remaining five with 16 others to form Jigawa. In 1994, several of these LGAs sought to leave Jigawa, with Hadejia proposing its own state, Gumel and Ringim requesting Lautai State, and Kazaure joining Daura to push for Bayajidda State.
Moreso, the chairman alluded to the fact the movement argues that the historical division of Nigeria’s regions supports their demand for state creation that the old North-Eastern State has been split into six states and is still requesting more. The former North-Western State has been divided into four states, and demands for additional states persist. The same applies to the old South-Western and East-Central states.
Therefore, given this precedent, why should the old Kano State be left with only two states (Kano and Jigawa), despite having 71 LGAs? It is evident that Kano and Jigawa qualify for additional states. We therefore urge the National Assembly to grant the current requests for Hadejia, Ghari, and Tiga States,” he said.
The movement is calling on the Senate Constitutional Review Committee to consider their long-standing demand and grant the creation of Hadejia State, ensuring fairness and balanced development across Nigeria.
