Otti Cautions Against Creation of 31 New States, Cites Economic Burden

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed concern that the proposed creation of 31 additional states, currently being pushed by various ethnic groups in the ongoing review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, would impose a significant economic strain on the country.

Speaking through his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, at the South-East Zonal Constitution Review session for Abia and Imo States held in Owerri Saturday 19 July 2025, Governor Otti emphasized that the exercise presents Nigerians with a vital opportunity to shape the nation's governance structure meaningfully.

He urged citizens of both states, irrespective of their political affiliations, to actively contribute to the constitutional amendment process. 

Otti stated that although his views on many of the issues under review have been publicly documented over the past decade, he recognizes that others have the right to present differing opinions.

Specifically addressing the agitation for state creation, he acknowledged the numerous proposals submitted to the National Assembly. 

While understanding that these proposals aim to address perceived marginalisation, he warned that approving them would significantly strain the nation’s already limited resources by increasing administrative costs and expanding an already bloated bureaucracy.